Jakyung Seo

Jakyung C. Seo is a distinguished lighting designer with a portfolio spanning over 100 productions. Her work has graced renowned theaters such as the Cleveland Play House, Steppenwolf and Congo Square Theatre in Chicago, as well as Dobama Theatre and Cleveland Public Theatre in Cleveland. Additionally, she has made significant contributions to Contemporary American Theatre Company (CATCO) in Columbus, HEAR theatre in New York, and Lodestone Theatre in Los Angeles.

Internationally recognized, Seo's lighting designs have been showcased at esteemed venues including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the UK, Avignon Off Festival in France, and the Sibiu International Theatre Festival in Romania. She has also participated in the Busan International Performing Arts Festival and earned accolades for her work with the Thrust Dance Company at the International Dance Festival in Saitama, Japan.

As a scholarly practitioner, Seo has presented over 20 sessions at prestigious events such as PQ Scenofest in Prague, United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) since 2004.

Currently serving as the Artistic Director of the Global Women Performing Arts Festival (GWPAF), Seo is dedicated to amplifying the voices of female artists. Under her leadership, GWPAF has hosted virtual events, including a collaboration with the Martha Graham Dance Company.

In addition to her creative and scholarly endeavors, Seo is a passionate educator. She has conducted lighting design workshops in Thailand, Singapore, and South Korea. Seo holds the position of Professor of Lighting Design and serves as the Coordinator of B.F.A. and M.F.A. Design, Technology, and Production at Kent State University (KSU). Prior to her tenure at KSU, she held teaching positions at the University of Cincinnati, California State University, Fresno and University of Toledo.