Steven McDonald
Professor
303-871-3827 (Office)
Johnson-McFarlane Hall, 1903 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80210
What I do
My emphasis is Theatre Design, Technology and Management. As the department's Technical Director/Production Manager I focus on planning and engineering during the collaborative process of building structures for Theatre productions.
At DU, I teach Stagecraft, Sound Design, Stage Management, Arts Administration and Advanced Topics in Stage Technology.
Professional Biography
Steven is a Professor at the University of Denver, where he serves as the Technical Director and Production Manager for the Department of Theatre.
Recently, Steven's research focus has been building professional partnerships with Colorado theatre companies through DU Theatre's Technical Theatre Internship Program. The program provides students with paid opportunities to work with professional companies and designers in a supportive setting that prepares them for the entertainment industry. Since its inception in 2016, the Tech Interns have built more than 45 productions for eleven different companies.
Steven has worked for a variety of performing arts organizations as a Sound and Lighting Designer, Stage Manager and Technical Director, including Curious Theatre Company, Phamaly, ParkerArts, Athena Project, Aurora Fox, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, Little Theatre of the Rockies, Systryst Theatre, the Seattle Rep, Single Carrot Theatre, Colorado Dance Festival, Rocky Mountain Revels, Paragon Theatre, Edge Theatre Company and the Great River Shakespeare Festival.
Prior to DU, Steven spent 16 years as a Senior Instructor and Production Manager at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and 22 years as a company member at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, including eight years on the administrative team as Operations Manager.
Degree(s)
- MFA, Theatre Design & Production, University of California, 1994
- BA, History, University of Colorado, 1990
- BA, Theatre, University of Colorado, 1990
- Certificate, Secondary Education, University of Colorado, 1990
Professional Affiliations
- United State Institute of Technical Theatre
Research
My research focuses on two areas: Sound design for theatrical performance, and management and construction for theatre companies.
