Ian Garrett

Ian Garrett is an Associate Professor at York University's Department of Theatre, Dance & Performance, part of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD). He serves as Graduate Program Director for Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies. His roles extend beyond academia to leadership in organizations like the Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts and the Mixed Reality collective Toasterlab. Garrett holds dual MFAs in Lighting Design and Producing from California Institute of the Arts, and a BA in Architectural Studies and Art History from Rice University.

His research focuses on ecological design, sustainability in performance, and the integration of technology with environmental ethics. Notable projects include eco-conscious stage designs for Zata Omm and Crimson Collective, as well as immersive works like Groundworks and Parkway Forest Time Machine. He has received grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for projects such as Symbiolene (AI-performance hybrid) and Meta-Show (VR theatre analysis).

Garrett’s awards include the 2006 and 2008 LA Weekly Theater Awards for lighting design and production. He advises graduate students in interdisciplinary performance studies and has taught at institutions like the California Institute of the Arts and University of Houston. His work emphasizes global collaboration, evidenced by roles in the Prague Quadrennial and World Stage Design conferences.

Professional affiliations include the Board of Directors for Associated Designers of Canada and the theatre company the Only Animal. He actively contributes to sustainability initiatives such as the Climate Change Theatre Action and the EcoScenography working group, which advocate for environmentally responsible artistic practices.