Michael Mehler

Michael Mehler is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Communication, Media, & Performance at Allegheny College. He has over 25 years of professional experience in scenic and lighting design, with work spanning major regional theatres across the United States. He is actively involved in academic leadership and professional service, contributing to national conversations on equity, diversity, and sustainability in theatre.

His educational background includes a B.S. in Theatre from Northwestern University, an M.F.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. These credentials underpin his interdisciplinary approach to theatre education and research.

Michael Mehler's research centers on sustainable design and production, with a focus on integrating environmental justice and long-term planning into the creative process. He explores alternative materials and practices, working closely with students and staff to implement eco-conscious methods in the Playshop Theatre at Allegheny College. His work bridges practical production techniques with theoretical and pedagogical innovation in theatre education.

While no specific publications were listed, his research trajectory emphasizes sustainability, pedagogy, and design theory, indicating a strong interdisciplinary engagement with environmental ethics and performance production.

• Member, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee, United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
• Member, Education Committee, Broadway Green Alliance (BGA)
• Former Vice President of Programming, USITT
• Former Vice President of Communications, USITT
• Former Design & Technology Focus Group Representative, Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE)
• Co-Chair, Council on Diversity and Equity (CoDE), Allegheny College
• Co-Chair, Finance and Facilities Committee, Allegheny College
• Chair, Faculty Council, Allegheny College

Michael Mehler advises students through hands-on collaboration in the Playshop Theatre, guiding them in sustainable production practices and design innovation. He has delivered over thirty presentations on design history, theory, and pedagogy at regional and national conferences, contributing significantly to academic discourse in theatre education. While specific grants are not listed, his leadership in sustainability initiatives suggests active involvement in curriculum development and institutional projects promoting environmental responsibility.

He leads and collaborates within the Playshop Theatre at Allegheny College, working with students and staff to advance sustainable production methods. His leadership extends to institutional governance through the Faculty Council and strategic committees, shaping academic and operational policies.