KENT, OH – Tony Hardin, Director of the School of Theater and Dance, was recently named a 2024 United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) Fellow.
According to USITT, Fellows achieve this recognition through many years of exceptional participation in various aspects of USITT and the entertainment industry. To USITT, the Fellows are members who are leaders in their craft or field and are an indispensable resource in continuing the work of the Institute, working together as peers to support the Institute in its advancement, fundraising, and outreach efforts.
Tony Hardin serves as the Director of the School of Theatre and Dance at Kent State University and is the Executive Producer of Porthouse Theatre. As a faculty member at Kent State University, University of Kentucky and Longwood University, Professor Hardin has taught courses in scenic design, lighting design, scenic painting, introduction to theatre, stage management, and senior capstone. Tony has been a proud member of USITT in a variety of capacities since 2000 ranging from Committee Chair for IDEAS, Committee Chair of Nominations, Vice Commissioner of Programming for Education, and Commissioner for the Education Commission. Currently, Tony is in his last year of service as a member of the Board of Directors for USITT having served as a board member since 2018.
As a freelance scenic and lighting designer, Hardin's work has appeared in a variety of venues nationally and internationally such as Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in Ohio, Heritage Repertory Theatre in Virginia, Mount Washington Valley Theatre in New Hampshire, Greenbrier Valley Theatre in West Virginia, The Lexington Children’s Theatre in Kentucky, and Operafest Internacionale in Italy. Some of his favorite designs include Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Cabaret, Treasure Island, The Snow Queen, and The Neverending Story.
The USITT24 winners will be honored at an awards ceremony during the Seattle Conference on March 21, 2024. Next year, USITT will be held in Columbus, Ohio.
About USITT
Founded in 1960, USITT promotes dialogue, research, and learning among practitioners of theatre design and technology and is the leader in life-long learning opportunities for the entertainment design and technology industry. The organization's annual conference is an important resource for students across the United States and is regularly attended by School of Theatre and Dance students and faculty.
About School of Theatre and Dance
The School of Theatre and Dance has comprehensive programs rooted in a professional culture that inspires students to train for the dynamic disciplines of theatre and dance as they transform their passion into their profession. When entering the Roe Green Center for the School of Theatre and Dance, students are embraced for who they are and surrounded by a community that supports their potential. Dedicated to creative excellence, we will provide opportunities that will challenge students to develop their meaningful purpose.