In many ways this program has evolved from the unique relationship that the Cornell Theatre Department enjoys with Riverside Theatre, a professional regional theatre in nearby Iowa City. Ron Clark and Jody Hovland, the founders and artistic directors of that company, have long been associated with the Department as Distinguished Artists-in-Residence. We have seen first hand the benefits of students working closely with seasoned professionals.

In addition to the obvious pedagogical value of being taught by and working with professionals whose unique individual talents and experiences enrich each student’s understanding of theatre practice, the Guest Artist Program also helps students to build networks that may lead to professional or further educational opportunities.

We seek to involve Guest Artists in each area of the Department’s activities: in performance (acting and directing); in production (design, stage management, and technical direction; and in dramaturgy (playwriting and theatre scholarship). The list below reflects the frequency and diversity of outside professionals who have worked with our students in recent years (and also indicates their base location):

Matthew Allar (guest professor and scenic designer – New York)
David Apitchel (professional stage management consultant – New York)
Maggie Baker-Atkins (costume designer - Chicago)
Leslie Charipar (actor – Chicago)
David Combs (featured Equity actor – Los Angeles)
Stan Crocker (lighting designer- Los Angeles/Mount Vernon)
Jason Grubbe (actor – Iowa City)
Brent Hazelton (arts administrator, workshop leader – Milwaukee)
Kristin Horton (director, workshop leader – New York)
Keith Huff (Playwright, playwriting professor – Chicago)
Galen Joseph-Hunter (arts administrator, workshop leader – New York)
Graham Kindred (lighting designer – New York)
Sean Lewis (actor – Iowa City)
Matt Lindstrom (choreographer, dance instructor – Iowa City)
Tom Roe (transmission artist, workshop leader – New York)
Benjamin Schmidt (scenic designer – Iowa City)
Michael Sokoloff (director, fight choreographer – Iowa City)
C. Denby Swanson (playwright, workshop instructor – Austin)
Jeremy Van Meter (acting instructor – Chicago)
Wendi Weber (featured Equity actor, workshop leader – Chicago)
Scot West (actor – Iowa City)
Bryon Winn (scenic and lighting designer – Iowa City)