Erik Viker 534 Eighth Street Selinsgrove, PA 17870 E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 570-372-4548
CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION: 2003 Master of Fine Arts, Theatre Technology University of Texas at Austin, TX Thesis: “Management Techniques in Volunteer Theatre Organizations”
1987 Bachelor of Science, Psychology University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS: Associate Professor of Theatre, Susquehanna University September 2009 - present
Assistant Professor of Theatre, Susquehanna University September 2003 – September 2009
Teaching Assistant, University of Texas January 2000 - December 2002
Certified Trainer, State of Florida September 1989 - October 1999
RESEARCH INTERESTS AND PROJECTS: The role of traditional theatre technology in a liberal arts education.
Scenery organization and safety.
Production management and operations.
TEACHING: Stagecraft An undergraduate immersion-learning course including practical experience and instruction in technical theatre, stagecraft and production operations.
Stage Management & Theatre Operations A practical overview of stage management and theatre administration. Topics include stage management, professional unions, production management, publicity, marketing, box office operations and house management.
- 2 - Seminar in Theatre: Administration An in-depth exploration of theatre management and audience services, including leadership and group dynamics, message development and resource coordination for the fine arts.
Introduction to Dramatic Literature An undergraduate introduction to world dramatic literature through study of selected plays and the historical, cultural and political contexts of individual works.
Writing and Thinking An introduction to university-quality academic writing, critical reading and discussion, exploring theoretical and practical connections between citizenship and the individual, using cultural trends and the arts as subjects for writing and discussion.
Production Lab Supervision of student assignments including Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Properties Coordinator, and Assistant Technical Director.
Independent Study Supervision AutoCAD computer drafting for the theatre. Production management and technical direction
Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting Licensing preparation for child-caring facility operators.
PUBLICATIONS: Book editor, Inspired Teaching: Essays on Theatre Design and Technology Education Published by United States Institute for Theatre Technology February 2013
“Teaching Professional Maturity in Technical Production Book chapter in Inspired Teaching: Essays on Theatre Design and Technology Education Published by United States Institute for Theatre Technology February 2013
“I’ve seen that someplace else: Avoiding plagiarism in school theatre” in Teaching Theatre Spring 2010
“Ben Edwards.” Chapter in Late & Great: American Designers 1960-2010. with Andrew Rich. March 31, 2010
Bring the heat: Designing for summer stock theatre” in Stage Directions June 2008
- 3 - “Backdrop Basics” in Stage Directions May 2008
“Defying Gravity: Basic rigging hardware and equipment” in Stage Directions November 2007
“Scene Shop Essentials” in Stage Directions October 2007
“Picking a program: College application tips for high school theatre technicians” in Stage Directions September 2007
“Getting the Word Out: How to create effective press releases and programs” with Randy Hines in Teaching Theatre Winter 2007
“Creating a Diversion” in Stage Directions December 2006
“Immersion Learning: Sinking and swimming with undergraduates” with Andrew Rich in Theatre Design and Technology Fall 2005
“Light on the subject: Robotic motion” with Andrew Rich in Stage Directions July 2005
“Technical director job survey results” with James L. Murphy and Adam Zonder in Sightlines June 2005 (online publication)
“Twenty plays in ten days: An adventure in multi-venue festival production management” in Theatre Design and Technology Summer 2004
“Tool time: A soup-to-nuts list of equipment for the scene shop” in Stage Directions February 2004
“Survey says: Trends and challenges in community theatre” in Stage Directions (online edition) Fall 2003
- 4 - “Counterweight rigging system safety inspections” in Theatre Design and Technology Summer 2003
Quoted in “Resource Roundup: Making the scene” by Fiona Kirk in Stage Directions, January 2005
Quoted in “Flying Safely” by Dana Taylor in Teaching Theatre, Summer 2005.
“Immersion Learning: Sinking and swimming with undergraduates” with Andrew Rich, republished (in perpetuity) by Proquest SIRS Renaissance Database, April 2006
PRESENTATIONS:
Panelist, “Managing Technical People.” United States Institute for Theatre Technology annual conference, Fort Worth, TX March 26, 2014
Co-author, “Realizing Joseph Priestley's laboratory in Northumberland, Pennsylvania” The Sites of Chemistry 1600-2000 Project Maison Française, Oxford, England July 4, 2011
Panelist, “Teaching Technical Theater in a Bachelor of Arts Curriculum.” United States Institute for Theatre Technology annual conference, Kansas City, MO April 2, 2010
Panelist, “Plagiarism in the Digital Age" United States Institute for Theatre Technology annual conference, Cincinnati, OH March 20, 2009
Panelist, “The entitlement dilemma: An in-depth look at the production responsibilities of small programs weighing quantity versus quality" United States Institute for Theatre Technology annual conference, Phoenix, AZ March 14, 2007
Radio interview: “Art Scene,” WVIA Radio February 14, 2006
Session presenter: “Résumé and portfolios tips for theatre students and young professionals” Chesapeake Area USITT Symposium and Expo, Washington, DC September 17, 2005
Panelist: “Selection of Student Crews in Academic Theatre” United States Institute for Theatre Technology annual conference, Toronto, ON March 17, 2005
- 5 - Panelist: “Technical Direction Job Descriptions” United States Institute for Theatre Technology annual conference, Toronto, ON March 19, 2005
Session presenter: “Challenges and Experiences for Student Stage Managers” Chesapeake Area USITT Symposium and Expo, Richmond, VA September 11, 2004
Panelist and chair: “Realizing the Vision: Artistic Director/Scenic Designer/Technical Director Relationships In Academic Theatre” Association for Theatre in Higher Education annual conference, Toronto, ON July 29, 2004
Panelist: “Twenty Plays in Ten Days: Multi-Venue Festival Management” United States Institute for Theatre Technology annual conference, Long Beach, CA March 19, 2004
Session presenter: “Technical Direction Strategies for Academic Theatre” Chesapeake Area USITT Symposium and Expo, Philadelphia, PA January 24, 2004
Session chair/presenter: “From concept to construction: A technical direction overview” UIL Theatre Conference, Austin, TX October 19, 2002
UNIVERSITY SERVICE: Elected member of Academic Honesty Judicial Board Spring 2009 - Spring 2012, Fall 2013 - present
Elected member of Faculty Residency Waiver Committee Fall 2012 - present
Production Manager, Department of Theatre 2012 - present
Technical Director, Department of Theatre 2003 - 2012
Facilitator of the Minor in Theatre Fall 2006 - present
Principal editor, Department of Theatre policy and procedure manual August 2006 - present
Student Life Committee member 2006 - 2008
- 6 - Admissions Committee member (chair 2005-2006) 2004 - 2007
Technical theatre consultant for “The Artist Series” visiting artist program Fall 2003 - present
University Board member, Campus Judicial Program Spring 2004 – Fall 2008
Stage management and technical crew training and supervision for Department of Theatre Fall 2003 - present
Technical Direction Advisor L’orfeo, Department of Music Opera Production April 2007
Search committee member, Assistant Director of Career Services Spring 2005
University representative, Associated New American Colleges summer institute June 2005
Faculty interviewing panel member of Assistant Dean of Student Life / Director of First-year Programs candidate search, June 2005
Production management consultant for University Relations office, Capital Campaign kick-off homecoming event, Fall 2006
Search committee member, Assistant Director of Admissions position Summer 2006
Search committee member, Associate Director of Financial Aid Spring 2006
Search committee member, Assistant Director of Admissions / Coordinator of Multicultural Student Recruitment position Fall 2004
Technical theatre advisor, Chancel Drama annual production 2004 - 2006
Strategic Plan Implementation “Entering the Community” initiative subcommittee Fall 2003
- 7 - PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE: Publications Committee member United States Institute for Theatre Technology 2005 – present
Elected member of Borough Council Selinsgrove, PA 2008 - 2016
Technical Director, State Drama Festival Pennsylvania High School Speech League 2003 - 2007
Board member Gainesville Community Playhouse 1998 - 1999
Executive Board member, including three terms as President and four as Secretary Suwannee Valley Players, Chiefland, FL 1983 - 1995
AFFILIATIONS: United States Institute for Theatre Technology International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 636 Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
SELECTED CONSULTING: Technical Director and installation supervisor, Joseph Priestley Laboratory Recreation Joseph Priestley House, Northumberland, PA May - June 2011
Venue manager for The Actors Company Theatre production of Light Up The Sky Susquehanna University July, 2007
Technical direction consultation for production of Beauty and the Beast Community Theatre League, Williamsport, PA May 2007
Art exhibition curator, “Process toward performance: The art of theatrical design” Lore Degenstein Gallery, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA October 2005 - March 2006
Production department reorganization consultation Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center, Loch Sheldrake, NY March - June 2005
- 8 - Cyclorama design consultation Community Theatre League, Williamsport, PA November 2004
Technical direction consultation for production of Honk Community Theatre League, Williamsport, PA May 2004
Acting studio renovation planning, Department of Theatre and Dance University of Texas, Austin, TX January 2003
Draftsman for Tobin Foundation Award-winning exhibition design Prague Quadrennial 2003
Counterweight rigging system planning Gainesville Playhouse, Gainesville, FL December 2002
Flown performer rigging assessment Mary Moody Nothen Theatre Austin, TX December 2002
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Production Manager 12.14 Foundation, Newtown CT Summer 2014 Theatre management for non-profit charitable foundation brining Broadway experiences to survivors of Sandy Hook school shootings and the community. Summer season included two mainstage musicals, a dance concert, a talent competition and a film series.
Professional stagehand International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 636 2003 - present
Technical Supervisor The Lab Theatre, Austin, TX 2002 - 2003 Technical direction; event scheduling, stage crew supervision; resource management, facility management.
Production Manager New Works Festival, University of Texas at Austin 2002 - 2003 Management of six full productions, six workshop productions and twelve performance art events.
- 9 - Production Manager Barrington Stage Company, Sheffield, MA 2002 Regional theatre quality summer theatre season of three mainstage and two second-stage productions, a staged reading series and a touring youth production. Supervised five department heads, managed production budgets and venue calendars. Personnel management and resource coordination.
Stage Manager Performing Arts Center, University of Texas at Austin 2001 - 2002 Stage management and resource coordination for theatre, dance and music events in three venues including a 3,000-seat concert hall, an opera theatre and a state-of-the-art recital hall.
Assistant Technical Director Weston Playhouse Theatre Company, Weston, VT 2001 Resource management and supervision of scene shop crew and technical rehearsals for six- production season produced by regional theatre company. Master Carpenter Summer Theatre Workshop, Austin, TX 2000 Stagecraft supervision and instruction for high school students in residential theatre education program, including scenery construction, installation and operations, rigging, properties.
Assistant Technical Director Gainesville Community Playhouse, Gainesville, FL 1998 - 1999 Staff position with civic theater. Technical direction, stage management, stage crew training, physical resource management, lighting and sound operations.
Guest Director and Designer High Springs Community Theater, High Springs, FL 1992 - 1998 Volunteer position with civic theater. Artistic and technical direction including mainstage productions and historical re-enactment productions, scenic design and basic lighting design, stage crew training, consultant for organization, production management and play selection.
Senior Family Services Counselor State of Florida, Trenton, FL 1987 - 1999 Facility licensing and family assessment; coordinating licensed child-caring facilities in three counties, managing human resources, developing and conducting pre-service and in-service training programs. Served as Acting Supervisor of a three-county region for approximately fifteen months.
SELECTED PRODUCTION POSITIONS: Technical Director, Little Shop of Horrors Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA October - November 2013
Technical Director, The Birds Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA April 2013
- 10 - Technical Director, Into the Woods Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA November 2012
Technical Director, Funny Girl Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA November 2011
Artistic Director, The Lion in Winter Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA August 2011
Technical Director, The Full Monty Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA November 2010
Scenic Designer, The Diary of Anne Frank Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA September 2010
Artistic Director, I Hate Hamlet Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA August 2009
Technical Director, The Man Who Came to Dinner Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA April 2009
Technical Director, The Night of the Iguana Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA December 2008
Technical Director, Fiddler on the Roof Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA November 2008
Technical Director, Richard III Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA April 2008
Technical Director, The Pajama Game Weber Auditorium, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA November 2007
Technical Director, The Importance of Being Earnest Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA September 2007
- 11 - Artistic Director, Proof Degenstein Center Theatre Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA August 2007
Technical Director, Oklahoma! Weber Auditorium, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA November 2006
Technical Director, Dracula Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA September 2006
Technical Director, I Remember Mama Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA April 2006
Technical Director, Street Scene Department of Music Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA February 2006
Technical Director, Enchanted April Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA December 2005
Technical Director, Seussical Weber Auditorium, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA November 2005
Artistic Director, Vincent Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA July 2005
Technical Director, A Dybbuk Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA April 2005
Technical Director, Hello, Dolly Weber Auditorium, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA November 2004
Technical Director, Carousel Star Players, Taunton, Massachusetts August 2004
Technical Director, The Winter’s Tale Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA April 2004 - 12 -
Technical Director, The Mikado Department of Music, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA February 2004
Technical Director, The Seagull Degenstein Center Theatre, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA November 2003
Technical Director, On The Town Weber Auditorium, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA October 2003 Technical Director, Heartbreak House The Lab Theatre, University of Texas at Austin February 2003
Technical Director, Peter Pan B. Iden Payne Theatre, University of Texas at Austin January 2002
Technical Director, Changes of Heart Brockett Theatre, University of Texas at Austin October 2001
Technical Director, Bricks and Lyrics Brockett Theatre, University of Texas at Austin March 2001
Technical Director, Jungalbook Brockett Theatre, University of Texas at Austin November 2000
Technical Director, One Flea Spare School of Night Productions, Austin, TX October 2000
AWARDS AND GRANTS: Technical Production Award (national recognition), United States Institute for Theatre Technology 2003
Faculty Development and Research mini-grant from Susquehanna University for student-faculty performance collaboration project. 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011
Summer Opportunities grant from Susquehanna University for faculty-student collaborative scholarship production 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 - 13 -
Travel grant from Susquehanna University to present on panels at United States Institute for Theatre Technology conference 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Academic Computing and Instructional Technologies grant from Susquehanna University for computer drafting instruction project 2004
Travel grant from Susquehanna University to present and chair session at Association for Theatre in Higher Education conference, Toronto, Canada 2004