Brian Healy

Brian Healy is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Theatre and Dance at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo, CA. He holds an MFA in Theatrical Design from the University of Washington and a B.A. in Theatre from Truman State University. With 23 years of teaching experience, he specializes in lighting design, scenic design, stagecraft, and dramatic theory.

Education:

• MFA in Theatrical Design, University of Washington (Seattle), 200X
• B.A. in Theatre, Truman State University, 199X

Research/Design Interests: Brian's work focuses on innovative lighting design, scenic storytelling, and technical production. His designs emphasize emotional impact and visual spectacle, as seen in productions like Tuck Everlasting (2018) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2017), praised for their immersive lighting and technical excellence. He prioritizes collaboration across disciplines, from costume to sound design.

Key Achievements:

• Recipient of the National Outstanding Production Award (Kennedy Center) for Vincent In Brixton (2013)
• Design work featured at major institutions: Sundance Resort, Hale Centre Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, and Book-It Repertory Theatre
• Course developer at Cal Poly: Technical Theatre Production and Technology in Theatrical Design

Advising & Grants: Brian’s academic leadership includes mentoring students in technical theatre and scenic design. His grants and institutional support enable innovative productions, such as Hale Centre Theatre’s technologically advanced lighting systems.

Labs/Teams: He collaborates with academic and professional theatres, including University College Dublin, Western Washington University, and Chicago’s Shattered Globe Theatre. His work bridges academic and professional theatre through immersive design practices.