Jared Spears

Jared Spears is an Instructional Professor of Technical Direction in the Department of Theatre and Film at the University of Mississippi. He holds a B.F.A. in Art from Delta State University (2000) and an MFA in Theatre from the University of Mississippi (2004). His expertise spans theatre design, sculpture, and technical direction, with a focus on blending artistic creativity with practical production skills.

Educationally, he completed his undergraduate studies at Delta State University before earning his MFA at the University of Mississippi. His career has been marked by awards, including the Mississippi Governor’s Award For Excellence in the Arts (2002) and recognition for his work on The Passions of Walter Anderson (2010). His traditional stone-carving techniques were featured in the Smithsonian Institution’s Rinzler Archives and the 2005 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Research interests include sculptural artistry, theatre design innovation, and the preservation of cultural heritage through craft. His work appears in private and public collections nationwide and has been showcased in media, including national television and Southern Living Magazine’s Idea House series.

Award highlights include state and regional accolades for artistic excellence. His teaching spans courses like Scenic Design, Rendering, and Production Studies, reflecting his commitment to bridging theory and practice in the arts. No formal grants or lab affiliations are detailed, though his creative projects often involve collaborative production efforts.