Sam Transleau

Sam Transleau serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor in Design and Production at Oakland University's School of Music, Theatre and Dance, where she trains students in theatrical production techniques and design principles.

Education:

• MFA in Scene Design and Scenic Art, University of Idaho
• BFA in Scene Design, Florida International University
• Specialized scenic art training (painting and foam carving) at Cobalt Studio, White Lake, NY

Research Focus: Professor Transleau's creative scholarship centers on immersive theatrical design methodologies, with particular emphasis on material innovation in scenic construction and the integration of puppetry techniques. Her work bridges traditional stagecraft with community-oriented applications, especially through children's theatre outreach programs that explore educational engagement through visual storytelling.

Prior to Oakland University, she held faculty positions at New World School of the Arts (Miami) and Weber State University (Ogden, UT). Her professional portfolio spans collaborations with Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Tipping Point Theatre, Orchestra Miami, and multiple academic institutions including University of Iowa and Florida International University, where she executed freelance scenic, lighting, and costume designs while serving as associate designer to Jesse Dreikosen.