Kevin Griffith

University of New Orleans School of the Arts Professor of Design

Education:

University of Southern Mississippi, MFA Design and Theatre Technology, 1996

Arkansas State University, BFA Theatre, emphasis Scenic Design 1993      

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, AA English 1990

 

Experience

The Radical Buffoon(s) a Theatre Collective, Member

https://www.radicalbuffoons.com/press

2018-Present

Network of Ensemble Theaters, Member

2012-present

On Set Carpenter/Set Construction/Prop maker

International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees

IATSE Local 478

2010-present

 

Professor of Design

Department of Film and Theatre, University of New Orleans

Serve on artistic staff and/or production staff for all FTA productions

Mentor graduate and undergraduate scenic designers

Supervise property design and acquisition

Co-manager of production budgets for Theatre with FTA Technical Director

Courses taught in Scene Design, Scene Painting, Contemporary Theatre, Methods and Materials in Stagecraft, Basic Visual Design for Film and Theatre, History of Style and Form, Contemporary Theatre, Oral Communications, and General Education courses in Theatre

Serve as a member and or Chair of Graduate Thesis Committees

2001-present.

 

Designer/Manager of Technical Operations

Southern Arena Theatre, Hattiesburg, MS

Design scenery for one show in a three-show repertory company

Conduct daily staff briefings

Supervise and advise property artisans for each season

Supervise and advise student designers

Engineer and/or supervise the construction of all scenery for the season

Create a master production calendar for the three-show repertory season

Create construction schedules for three shows in the repertory season

Manage general budgets for scenery, properties, and electrics for the season

Manage show budgets for scenery, properties, and lighting

Attend technical rehearsals

Train and supervise “change over” crews throughout the season

1995-2001

 

Scene Shop Supervisor

Department of Theatre and Dance, University of Southern Mississippi

Serve on artistic and/or production staff for nine shows each year

Participate in all planning and scheduling for the Theatre Department

Supervise and instruct student work in the scene shop

Purchase all building materials and supplies for a six-show season

Manage and record all scene shop expenditures

Manage and maintain all equipment in the scene shop

Conduct inventory and maintain all property for the Department of Theatre and Dance

Supervise and direct construction for nine shows each academic year

Supervise and/or instruct all scenic laboratories

Supervise and manage all student workers and graduate students in the scenic area

1995-2001

 

Student/Self-employed Carpenter and Contractor

1981-1991

 

Publications

2004:  A Production Manual for Theatre Students At UNO

 

Gifts received

2014:  The Azby Fund                                                                 $5,000.00

2015:  The Azby Fund                                                                 $5,000.00

2016:  The Azby Fund                                                                 $25,000.00

 

Creative contributions

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS

2022 Stupid Fucking Bird

Scenic Design


2022 Romeo and Juliet

Scenic Design

2021 Single Black Female

Production Design/Filmed on location and broadcast during the COVID Pandemic

2020 The Emperor Jones

Scenic Design/Filmed and broadcast during the COVID Pandemic

2019 The Unmentionables

Scenic Design/Construction Coordinator/Shop Supervisor

2019 Dark Nights, the musical

Property Design/Construction Coordinator/Shop Supervisor

2019 The Unmentionables

Construction Coordinator/ Shop Supervisor

2019 Othello

Scenic Design/Master Carpenter/Scenic Charge

2019 Keely and Du

Scenic Design/Mater Carpenter/Scenic Charge

2018 Gloria

Construction Manager/Master Carpenter/Scenic Charge FTA

2018 Desdemona (a play about a handkerchief) FTA

Scenic Design/Master Carpenter/Scenic Charge

2018 Hedda Gabler and Doll’s House (Repertory)

Construction Manager/Master Carpenter/Scenic Charge FTA

2017    The Royale

            Scenic Design/Master Carpenter/Scenic Charge

Regional American College Theatre Festival 2018 FTA

2016    The Aliens

            Scenic Design/Master Carpenter/Scenic Charge                               FTA

2016    Pleading 894 by Kate Bailey CWW Thesis

            Scenic Design/Master Carpenter                                                        FTA

2015    Agnes Of God

            Scenic Designer/Master Carpenter                                                     FTA

2015    Two Rooms

            Scenic Designer/ Master Carpenter                                                    FTA

2015    The Misanthrope

            Design Mentor to team of Senior Student Designers

            Master Carpenter and Fabricator                                                        FTA

2015    Melancholy Play

            Design Mentor to team of Senior Student Designers

            Master Carpenter and Fabricator                                                        FTA             

2014    Hamlet                                                       

           Scenic Design/Master Carpenter                                                         FTA

2014    Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo

            Scenic Design/Master Carpenter                                                        FTA

2014    Rx

            Design Mentor/Master Carpenter                                                       FTA

2014    To Kill A Mockingbird

             Scenic Design/Master Carpenter/Charge Artist                                FTA

2014    Father (world premiere) by Fredrick Mensch

           Scenic Design/Master Carpenter/Charge Artist                                  TWF/FTA

2014    Parcifal Worthy, World Premier by Mark Medoff

            Scenic Design/Master Carpenter/Charge Artist                                 FTA

2014    Album

           Design Mentor/Master Carpenter                                                       FTA

2013    Brokedown Paradise (Film)

            Production Designer                                                                          FTA

2013    The Taming Of The Shrew

           Construction Manager                                                                        FTA

2013    Jumpers

           Mentor to Set Designer                                                                      FTA

2013    Orestes 2.0                                                                                                                            

            Construction Coordinator                                                                  FTA

2012    Good Doctor

            Scenic Design/Construction Coordinator                                          FTA

2012    Race

            Design Mentor/Master Carpenter                                                     FTA

2012    Suicide In The Key Of Infomercial

            Set Design                                                                                        FTA

 2012   Holy Ghosts

            Scenic Design                                                                                  FTCA

 2011    Autobiography About My Brother

            Scenic Design                                                                                  TWF/FTCA

2011     The Glass Menagerie

           Scenic Design                                                                                   TWF/FTCA

2010    An Experiment With An Air Pump

            Scenic Design                                                                                  FTCA

2010    Our Town

            Graduate Student Mentor                                                                 FTCA

2110     The Night Of The Iguana

           Scenic Design/Scenic Charge                                                           TWF/FTCA

2009    Tio’s Blues     

             Student Designer Mentor                                                                TWF/FTCA

2009    Host Faculty Member American College Theatre Festival              FTCA

2009    Verses from Jordan

              Scenic Design                                                                                FTCA

2009    Much Ado About Nothing

              Scenic Design                                                                                FTCA

2008    Dark End Of Day

             Scenic Design                                                                                 FTCA

2008    Miss Margarida’s Way

             Scenic Design                                                                                 FTCA

2008    The Chairs

             Scenic Design                                                                                 FTCA

2008    Metamorphosis

             Scenic Design                                                                                 FTCA

2007    Katrina’s Path

            Scenic Design                                                                                  FTCA

2007    Annie  

            Design Mentor/TD                                                                            ASH

2007    Small Things  

            Scenic Design                                                                                  FTCA

2006    The Comedy of Errors

             Master Carpenter                                                                            FTCA

2006    You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

             Design Mentor/TD                                                                           ASH

2006    The Waltz Between

             Load-in Supervisor                                                                          Tennessee Williams Festival

2005    The Importance of Being Earnest

             Scenic Design                                                                                 ASU

2005    Shakespeare’s R&J

             Scenic Design/TD.                                                                           DRCM

2005    Our Country’s Good

             Master Carpenter                                                                            DRCM

2005    Loose Hog in the House of God

              Master Carpenter                                                                           DRCM

2004    Wrinkles

              Master Carpenter                                                                           DRCM

2004    BAAL              

             Scenic Design                                                                                 DRCM

2004    The shape of things

              Scenic Design/TD                                                                          DRCM

2003    Fuddy Meers

              Scenic Design                                                                                DRCM

2003    Mademoiselle Blackwell (ACTF)

              Technical Director                                                                          DRCM

2003    The Laramie Project

             Scenic Design/TD                                                                           DRCM          

2003    Of Mice and Men

             Scenic Design                                                                                 DRCM

2002    Going Under (ACTF)

             Scenic Design                                                                                 DRCM

2002    Glengary/Glen Ross

             Scenic Design/TD                                                                           DRCM

2002    J.B.

             Scenic Design/TD                                                                           DRCM

2002    Dialogues of the Carmelites

             Scenic Design/TD                                                                           Opera at UNO

2002    Fertilizer

             Scenic Design/TD                                                                           Tennessee Williams Festival

 2002    Two Gentlemen of Verona

             Scenic Design/TD                                                                           DRCM

 2001    Five Women… Same Dress

             Scenic Design/TD                                                                           DRCM

 2001    Moon for the Misbegotten

             Scenic Design/TD                                                                           DRCM

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

2001    Fortinbras

            Technical Director                                                                            Theatre/Dance

2001    Three Tall Women

            Technical Director                                                                            Theatre/Dance

2000    Of Mice and Men

             Technical Director                                                                           Theatre/Dance

2000    The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek

             Technical Director                                                                            ACTF

2000    A Piece of My Heart

             Technical Director                                                                           Theatre/Dance

2000    Something to Hide

             Scenic Design                                                                                 Southern Arena Theatre

2000    A Midsummer Night’s Dream

             Technical Director                                                                           Theatre/Dance

2000    Gint

             Scenic Design                                                                                 Theatre/Dance

1999    Voices of Freedom Summer

            Scenic Design                                                                                  USM Honors College & Theatre

1999    Voices of Freedom Summer

            Projection Design                                                                             USM Honors College & Theatre

1999    The Crucible

            Technical Production Manager                                                         Theatre/Dance

1999    Rimers of Eldritch

            Technical Director       ACTF                                                             Theatre/Dance

1999    Closer Than Ever

            Technical Director                                                                             Theatre/Dance

1999    Tell Pharaoh  

            Technical Director                                                                             Theatre/Dance

1998    Laura Dennis

            Technical Director                                                                             Theatre/Dance

1998    Buried Child

            Technical Director/Production Manager    ACTF                                Theatre/Dance

1998    Lysistrata

            Technical Director                                                                             Theatre/Dance

1997    Speed the Plow

            Scenic Design                                                                                   Theatre/Dance

1997    Sylvia

            Scenic Design                                                                                   Theatre/Dance

1996    Man and Superman

             Lighting Design                                                                                Theatre/Dance

1996    Mannequin (Dance)

             Lighting Design                                                                                USM Dance (funded by NEA)

1996    The Curious Savage

            Lighting Design                                                                                 Southern Arena Theatre

1995    Purple

            Lighting Design                                                                                 USM Dance

1995    Time and the Conways

            Scenic Design                                                                                   Southern Arena Theatre

1995    The Thebans

            Scenic Design                                                                                   Theatre/Dance

1994    Peg O’ My Heart

            Scenic Design                                                                                   Theatre/Dance

1994    The Miser

            Scenic Design                                                                                   Theatre/Dance

1994    Place on the Magdalena Flats

           Technical Director                                                                              Theatre/Dance

1993    Death of a Salesman

           Technical Director                                                                              ACTF

PROFESSIONAL




2019 RAPunzel

Scenic Design/Master Carpenter/Scenic Charge

The Radical Buffoons, Jon Greene and Southern Repertory Theatre




2019 Roleplay

Scenic Design/Master Carpenter/Scenic Charge

Devised work with Tulane University and Goat in the Road Productions

2018 Production Designer Ham Sandwich

Award of Excellence for individual achievement in Production Design; SOUTHERN SHORTS AWARDS

I’ve Lost My Freakin’ Mind Productions LLC



2018 Scenic Designer/Fabricator Virtuoso

Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans


2018 Scenic Designer/Fabricator  Balloonacy
https://www.radicalbuffoons.com/press

Radical Buffoons, Jon Greene



2018    Scenic Designer/Fabricator     The Dumb Waiter
https://www.radicalbuffoons.com/press

Radical Buffoons, Jon Greene



2017    Scenic Designer/Fabricator     The Way At Midnight

Mondo Bizarro and Art Spot Productions World Premier

Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans LA

Funded in part by:

The National Endowment for the Arts

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

National Performance Network

 

2015    Set Construction/Prop Maker

Into The Badlands

AMC Studios

 

2014    Design and Performance

Voices Of Freedom Summer

Fish Tale Productions and The Mississippi Museum of Art

 

2014    Set Construction/Prop Maker           

Hot Pursuit or Don't Mess With Texas

MGM

 

2014    Set Construction/Prop Maker

Fantastic Four

Twentieth Century Fox, Marvel Entertainment

 

2014    Set Construction/Prop Maker           

American Horror Story; Freak Show

Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision

 

2012    Scenic Design/Master Carpenter/Charge Artist

Bloody, Bloody, Andrew Jackson, Big Easy Nominee for Best Scenic Design

Harms Way Theatre, New Orleans

 

2012    Set Construction/Prop Maker           

The Butler                  

Laura Ziskin Prod.

 

2012 On-Set Carpenter/Set Construction/Prop Maker           

Two Guns                  

Boom Productions     

 

2012    Set Construction/Prop Maker            

Django Unchained   

SuperCoomanChoo

 

2011 On-Set Carpenter/Set Construction/Prop Maker    

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter    

Abraham Productions

 

2011    Scenic Design            

27 Wagons Full of Cotton

Tennessee Williams Festival, New Orleans, LA

 

2010    Scene Design

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead       

Theatre 13       

 

2010    Scenic Carpenter        

Summer Lyric Theatre, Tulane University

 

2008    Fabrication/installation

Still Standing, A Public Art Work

by Shannon Landis Hanson

New Orleans Arts Council

 

2000    Scene Design             

Krewe of Zeus                               

Hattiesburg Civic Organization

 

1999    Scene Design             

Impossible Marriage, by Beth Henly            

World Premier, New Stage Theatre, Jackson, MS

 

1999    Scenic/Lighting Design          

Roots by the River          

Mississippi Methodist Annual Conference

 

1998    Scenic Design            

The Innocence                        

New Stage Theatre, Jackson, MS

 

1998    Scenic Design            

Tenderland                             

University of Southern Mississippi Opera

 

1997    Scenic Design            

Le Villi/Sour Angelica

University of Southern Mississippi Opera

Professional Meetings

2017 Presenter, Past/Forward-Network of Ensemble Theatres

"Ensembles & Universities"                                                     University of Washington

2016 KCACTF Regional Festival                                              San Angelo, TX

2015 KCACTF Regional Festival                                              San Angelo, TX

2014 Network of Ensemble Theatres                                      Intersection/NYC

2013 Network of Ensemble Theatres                                      MicroFest USA

2012 KCACTF State Festival                                                    McNeese State University

2011 KCACTF Regional Festival                                               Amarillo, Texas

2010 KCACTF State Festival                                                    New Orleans

2010 KCACTF Regional Festival                                              Amarillo, Texas          

2009 Host Louisiana ACTF Festival of Plays                          New Orleans

2008 KCACTF Regional Festival                                             Sam Huston State University

2004 ROSCO Scene Painting Workshop                                Tulane University

2003 Regional American College Theatre Festival                Fort Worth, TX

2003 KCCACTF LA State Festival                                           Centenary College

2003 KCACTF “Feeling to Form” Student Workshop              University of New Orleans

2001 Presenter “Employability Skills in the Theatre”              Southeastern Theatre Conference

2001   Host Technical Director, Region IV American College Theatre Festival

Awards         


2025 KENNEDY CENTER Distinguished Scenic Design

2017    KENNEDY CENTER                                                        Distinguished Scenic Design

2015    BIG EASY                                                                       Best University Production

2015    KENNEDY CENTER                                                        Excellence In Scene Design

2013    MARQUEE AWARD                                                        Best Set Design

2012    BIG EASY Nomination                                                    Best Set Design

2009    KENNEDY CENTER                                                       Excellence in Scene Design

2009    AMBIE                                                                           Best Set Design

2008    AMBIE                                                                           Nomination for Best Set Design

2008    BIG EASY                                                                      Nomination for Best University Production

2008    KENNEDY CENTER                                                       Special Commendation for Design

2006    Outstanding Service to Students Lakefront Players

2005    Guest Artist, Fall 2005                                                  Arkansas State University

2004    June Scholar Award                                                      College of Liberal Arts, UNO

2004    STORER BOONE AWARD                                              Best Drama              

2002    BIG EASY                                                                      Best University Production

2000    KENNEDY CENTER                                                       Finalist, Washington, DC

1996     KENNEDY CENTER                                                        Excellence in Scenic Design

1995     KENNEDY CENTER                                                        Excellence in Scenic Design

1993     Outstanding Student in Technical Theatre                    Arkansas State University

1992     Sound Design                                                               Outstanding Technical Production

Thesis Committee Service         

Co-Chair Nihal Abdula MFA Scenic Design (in process)

Co-Chair Jacob Bensimon MFA Scenic Design (in process)

Committee Member Jordan Joseph MFA Film Production Spring 2023

Chair Leah Rea Scantlen MFA Costume Design Spring 2023

Co-Chair Adachi Piementle MFA Lighting and Scenery Spring 2023

Committee Member Nellie Yelvington MFA Creative Writing Spring 2022

Committee Member Margaret Tonra MFA Directing Spring 2022

Committee Member Teresa Jacobson MFA Creative Writing Spring 2021

Committee Member     Christian Chesnut                                 MFA Film, Spring 2017

Committee Member     Joshua Pereira                                     MFA Film, Spring 2016

Committee Member     Madison Beaudet                                 MFA Film, Spring 2016

Committee Member     Megan Shea                                         MFA Performance, Spring 2016

Committee Member     Sarah Beth James                                MFA Performance, Spring 2016

Committee Member     Venita Matthews                                  MFA Performance, Spring 2016

Committee Member     John Niesler                                        MFA Performance, Spring 2015

Committee Member     Sam Malone                                        MFA Performance, Spring 2015

Committee Member     Justin Bupp                                         MFA Performance, Spring 2013

Committee Member     Paxton McCarghren                            MFA Performance, Spring 2013

Committee Member     Lindy Bruns                                         MFA Design, Spring 2013

Committee Chair         Gordon Smith                                       MFA Design, Spring 2012

Committee Member     Adam Falik                                          MFA Play Writing, Spring 2011

Committee Member     Patrick Payne                                      MFA Performance, Spring 2011

Committee Member     Blake Baleu                                        MFA Performance, Spring 2010

Committee Member     Beau Bratcher                                    MFA Directing, Spring 2010

Committee Member     Leah Scantlin                                     MFA Design, Spring 2009

Committee Member     Joyce Deal                                        MFA Performance, Spring 2009

Committee Member     Lisa Picone                                        MFA Performance, Fall 2007

Committee Chair         Patricia Vitrano MFA-Design, Fall 2007

Committee Chair         Jessica Cook                                     MFA Design, Fall 2007

Committee Member     Lori DeWitt                                        MFA Directing, Fall 2007

Committee Chair         Terry Marek                                       MFA Design, Spring 2007

Committee Chair         Noa Oz                                              Honors, Spring 2007   

Committee Member     Michael Harkins                                MFA Performance, Spring 2006

Committee Member     Michael Santos                                 MFA Performance, Spring 2005

Committee Chair         Sean Creel                                        MFA Design             

Committee Member     Debbie Delaney                               MFA Directing, Fall 2004

Committee Member     Shane Brooks                                   MA Film, Spring 2004

Committee Member     Shane Stuart                                     MFA Performance, Spring 2004

Committee Member     Jane McNulty                                    MFA Performance, Spring 2004

Committee Member     Brent Surdukin                                  MFA Directing, Spring 2004

Committee Member     J Hammons                                       MFA Directing, Spring 2003

Committee Member     Gary Mendoza                                  MFA Performance, Spring 2003

Committee Member     Scott Theroit                                     MFA Performance, Spring 2003

Committee Member     Jim Winter                                         MFA Performance, Spring 2003

Committee Member     Lynn Toll                                            MFA Performance, Spring 2002

Creative research interest

Collaboration

Design

Ensemble Theatre Practice

Methods and Materials of Stage Craft

Employability skills for Theatre Technicians

Challenge-Based Learning

Course/Program design and development

2001-2005 Developed UNO Summer Theatre Workshop into a professional model experience for participating students

2001-2005 Introduced Practical experience labs at three levels in the DRCM curriculum to give students more experience in production, and to provide consistent skilled staffing to the technical areas of production

2001-2012  developed active learning exercises for DRCM 4125/6125 Development of Style and Form

2015- incorporated Devised Theatre Making in FTA 4455/5455 Contemporary Theatre

Special recognition for teaching

2004 UNO Lakefront Players Student Organization award for excellence in teaching

Academic service at UNO

2016-               COLAEHD Course and Curriculum Committee

2014-               Graduate Faculty Committee

2014-               Curriculum committee

2013-               Awards Committee

2010-2014       Scholarship Committee

2002-2013      Institutional Effectiveness Committee/Graduate Design Representative

2006-2014      FTCA Production Resource Committee, Chair

2001-               FTCA/ Tennessee Williams One-act Play Selection committee

2005-              FTCA 1110 Multi-Section Leader

2006-2007     FTCA TD/LD Search Committee Chair

2005-2010      Institutional Effectiveness Committee, BA Theatre Representative

2004-2006     DRCM faculty representative to the Overture To The Cultural Season

2004-2005     DRCM Facilities Renovation Committee

2004-2005     DRCM Curriculum Committee

2004-2005     DRCM Awards Committee

2004-2005     DRCM Student Affairs committee

2004-2005     DRCM Production Resources

2003-2004     DRCM Grade Review Committee

2002-2003     DRCM Technology Committee

2001-               Graduate Faculty, Member

Service to the Community

2023- Present, Rapheal Village Community Partner

2013  Host/design, screening/movement

In The Land Of The Free

Robert E. Nims Theatre, University Of New Orleans

 2012-   Docent

New Orleans Museum of Art/Sydney and Walda Bestoff Sculpture Garden

 

2011     Design, Tennessee Williams one-man show

Tennessee Williams Festival, New Orleans

 

2006    Advised/Assisted Scenery Department

Southern Repertory Theatre

Kimberly Akimbo

 

2006    Mentor to Design students

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown

Academy of the Sacred Heart

 

2005    Mentor to Design Students

Trifles

Academy of the Sacred Heart

 

2004    Mentor to Design Students

The Bald Soprano

Academy of the Sacred Heart

 

2004    Mentor to Design Students

The Fantastics

Academy of the Sacred Heart

 

2004    Production Design

Amazing Grace

St. Luke’s UMC

 

2003    Scenic Charge

The Tale of Three Trees

St. Luke’s UMC

 

2001    Director/Designer

The Last Supper

Parkway Heights UMC

 

1998    Scenic Design

Love, Sex, and the IRS

Just Over the Rainbow Theatre

 

1998    Lighting/Technical

Joe Britian’s Christmas

Grace Temple

 

1997    Design Consultant

Joe Britian’s Fourth of July                   

Grace Temple

 

1997    Scene Design

Death of a Salesman

Just Over the Rainbow Theatre

 

1997    Scenic/Lighting

Diaries of Adam and Eve

Parkway Heights UMC

 

1996    Technical Director

King of Zues

Hattiesburg Civic Organization

 

1995    Scenic Design/TD

The Odd Couple

Just Over the Rainbow Theatre

2020 Single Black Female

Production Design/Filmed on Location and Braodcast during the COVID Pandemic