Dorothy Brown

Since graduating from ASU with an MFA in Theater in 2005, I have been given the opportunities to be an adjunct faculty at various educational institutions teaching a variety of theater courses. Throughout these positions, I have learned to be flexible in my methodology and approach to teaching design.  My teaching experience has spanned from the traditional face to face courses to online and hybrid courses.  I have used a variety of projects to teach the design process and ultimately direct the students to establish their individual creative process.  Each student brings a unique story to the classroom, fostering individual creativity within the classroom community. Over the years, some of my greatest achievements have been influencing students toward a career in the arts.

In addition to my teaching experience, I have more than 20 years’ experience in the field of scenic design.  Designs have included traditional theater, musical theater, set decoration and production design.  Over the years, I have designed scenery for both small intimate venues and larger spaces. Each production has provided both challenges and opportunities, allowing me chances to learn the different aspects of the process.  In addition to scenic design, I have worked as a scenic artist, set decorator, been responsible for props, media design, designed lighting, and a lighting hang. My design process begins with inspirational research and a design concept, followed by artwork, which has included pencil sketches, full color renderings, physical models and 3D generated digital renderings.  Once a design is approved, a complete drafting package is generated. During the build process, I generally assist in the supervision and execution of artistic decisions. The work from concept to production requires daily collaboration, excellent communication and continual problem solving.