Megan Reilly

Megan Reilly is an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Education, specializing in lighting and media design for immersive, augmented, and virtual performance spaces. Her work bridges gaming and theatre, exploring ethical storytelling in emerging technologies.

Education:

• MFA in Theatre, The University of Texas at Austin (2007)
• BA in Theatre, The University of New Hampshire (2000)
• BS in Biology, The University of New Hampshire (2000)

Her research focuses on: immersive environments, mixed reality performance documentation, ethical frameworks for virtual spaces, audience-guided storytelling, and cost-effective media solutions for theatre. She has taught lighting design while documenting seven years of experimental performance technologies.

Recent projects include virtual reality case studies (Finding Pandora X) and sensory accessibility innovations. Her publications appear in the International Journal of Performance Arts and Digital Media, Ada: A Journal of Gender, New Media, and Technology, and USITT’s Theatre Design & Technology journal, covering topics from alternate reality performances to budget-friendly technical implementations.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Lighting Design (Winner, B. Iden Payne Awards Council, 2010 & 2009)
• Multiple B. Iden Payne Award nominations (2012-2020)
• Austin Critics Table nominee (2011)
• Austin Theatre Examiner nominee (2010)

As Vice Commissioner for Programming at USITT Digital Media Commission, Reilly leads initiatives in augmented/virtual performance design. She has collaborated with companies across three continents, including TheatreSquared, Walking Shadow Theatre, and Toasterlab.