Melpomene Katakalos

Melpomene Katakalos is an Associate Professor at Lehigh University's College of Arts and Sciences. She combines storytelling with scenic design, collaborating across institutions in San Francisco, NYC, and Philadelphia. Her work spans over 100 productions, including world premieres at venues like La Jolla Playhouse and UC San Diego.

• Appointed as Class of 1961 Professor (2018)
• Artist-in-Residence at Lehigh@NASDAQ

Her research interests focus on scenic design, collaborative theater processes, and devised works. She has contributed to international events like the Beijing and Singapore Fringe Festivals and the 2019 Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space.

Education:

• BFA in Theatrical Production Arts (Design concentration) from Ithaca College
• MFA in Scenic Design from UC San Diego

Scientific Awards:

• Two San Diego Playbill Awards
• Two Bay Area Critics Circle nominations
• Barrymore nomination
• Best Set Designer (The East Bay Express)

She co-founded Crowded Fire Theater Company and directed the New Play Design Lab at the Bay Area Playwrights Foundation.