Kenneth Gardner

Kenneth Gardner serves as Professor of Drama at California Lutheran University, where he maintains an active creative practice bridging academic instruction and professional theatre. His work spans theatrical production, television writing, and youth education initiatives.

His research and creative interests focus on experimental adaptations and community-engaged theatre. He has developed original productions with students including Ohio (Kent State incident adaptation), Mark Twain and the Ghost at the Stagecoach Inn (national contest semi-finalist children's musical), and Invasion of the Baud iSnatchers (student-collaborative sci-fi adaptation). His practice emphasizes practical application through directing and script development.

• Semi-finalist in national playwriting contest (Mark Twain and the Ghost at the Stagecoach Inn)

Professor Gardner mentors students through hands-on production work and directs the department's Summer Theatre Workshop for Youth. His industry experience includes script analysis for Meyers-Shyer Productions at Disney Studios and development of optioned television scripts. He maintains active professional engagement through Equity Waiver circuit directing in Los Angeles.

He leads the Summer Theatre Workshop for Youth program, developing theatrical programming for young performers while integrating student collaborators from California Lutheran University's drama department.