J. Daniel Herring

J. Daniel Herring serves as a Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at California State University, Fresno's College of Arts and Humanities, where he joined the faculty in 2007 after a twenty-year tenure as Artistic Director of Stage One in Louisville, Kentucky. His role encompasses teaching, directing for University Theatre, and leading Theatre for Young Audiences productions.

His educational foundation includes:

• MFA from Arizona State University, Tempe (1987)
• BA from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg (1984)

Herring's research centers on Theatre for Young Audiences, Directing, and Drama Education, with significant contributions to children's theatre methodology and creative dramatics. His work bridges practical production with pedagogical innovation, emphasizing storytelling as a transformative educational tool across K-12 and university settings.

His scholarly output from the 1980s-2000s reveals consistent focus on drama's role in literacy development and curriculum integration. Publications demonstrate evolving expertise from foundational classroom techniques to international cultural exchange, with recurring themes of arts-based learning and narrative engagement across educational contexts.

His recognition includes:

• Provost's Promising New Faculty Award (2011)

Through extensive direction of University Theatre and Theatre for Young Audiences productions—including over 25 major works at Fresno State—Herring mentors students in practical theatre arts while building community partnerships. His collaborations with StageWorks Fresno and Good Company Players extend his educational impact beyond campus.

Herring leads active production teams for University Theatre and Theatre for Young Audiences, creating pipelines for student involvement in professional-caliber productions. His work with regional companies like StageWorks and Good Company Players establishes Fresno as a hub for educational and community-focused theatre.