John Iacovelli

Professor John Iacovelli is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of California, Davis, specializing in scenic design and art direction. With over 200 national theater productions to his credit, he has shaped iconic works across Broadway, regional theaters, and international stages.

His research interests span Scenic Design, Art Direction, and Integrated Digital Production Techniques, informed by decades of industry practice. Iacovelli bridges academic theory with professional practice through high-profile collaborations with institutions like South Coast Repertory, Mark Taper Forum, and the Goodman Theatre.

Notable accolades include an Emmy Award, Tony Award nomination recognition, and multiple NAACP Theatre Awards. His professional trajectory—from Broadway's Peter Pan revival to NBC's The Book of Daniel—demonstrates sustained excellence in merging theatrical tradition with contemporary media platforms.

• 2001 Emmy Award for Art Direction (A&E's Peter Pan)
• 2012 NAACP Theatre Award for Best Set Design
• 2001 Bob Z Award for Lifetime Achievement
• Fourteen Drama-Logue Awards
• 2013 LADCC Award for Waiting for Godot

As both a TONY and Emmy voter, Iacovelli maintains active industry engagement while mentoring the next generation of designers at UC Davis. His recent projects include South Coast Repertory's 2019 production of Sweeney Todd and collaborations with alumni like Kent Nicholson.