Biography
Kirk Domer, Professor of Scene Design and Director of Arts, Cultural Management, & Museum Studies, received his BA from Ashland University and MFA in Scene Design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829.His book entitled Collaboration in Theatre about the collaboration process between director and designer, co-written with colleague Rob Roznowksi was published by Palgrave Macmillan.
Kirk designed two world premiere productions by internationally renowned and best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, radio and television broadcaster, and musician Mitch Albom. ERNIE performed at various venues throughout Michigan and Florida, and HOCKEY, THE MUSICAL, toured the State of Michigan.He has also designed for Stages, A.D. Players, 4th Wall Theatre Company, Williamston Theatre, Meadow Brook Theatre, Performance Network, Jewish Ensemble Theatre, Wharton Center for Performing Arts, City Lit Theatre, Eastman School of Music, Mercury Opera, BoarsHead Theatre, Stormfield Theatre, The Madison Repertory Theatre, Summer Circle Theatre, Riverwalk Theatre, Ashland Summer Theatre Festival, and Make*a*Circus. He is a member of USITT and recent design credits include The Who’s Tommy, The Effect of Gamma Rays on the Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Babes in Arms, Permanent Collection, Tea and Sympathy and The Children’s Hour (in rep), The Life, Underneath the Lintel,L’Etoile, Man of La Mancha, As Bees in Honey Drown, The Rake’s Progress, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bad Dates, Over the Tavern, The Mikado and La Bohème.
Kirk designed two world premiere productions by internationally renowned and best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, radio and television broadcaster, and musician Mitch Albom. ERNIE performed at various venues throughout Michigan and Florida, and HOCKEY, THE MUSICAL, toured the State of Michigan..
Artist Statement
My work as a theatrical scene designer and educator has a common thread – combining technique with artistry. In combining technique and artistry for the theatrical designer, a creative tension must be maintained between the intermingling of process and product and theory and practice. My designs are known for their impeccable draftsmanship and accuracy, from rendering to delivered design onstage.
Projects
Videos
Media Mentions
Awards and Honors
Simmons Chivukula Award for Academic Leadership
Michigan State University
2023
The award is for exemplary work in academic leadership at the ranks of: department chair, school director, assistant dean, or associate dean.
Special Achievement Award
Ashland University Alumni Association
2022
In honor of an alumna/us who has proven leadership abilities, excelled in his/her chosen field, and has given faithful service to Ashland University and the community.
Best Scene Design (Finalist)
Houston Theater Awards, Houston Press
2022
Best Scene Design for MacGyver The Musical (Stages)
Standing Ovation Award
Michigan Thespians: An Educational Theatre Association Affiliate
2021
In honor of those who create positive and lasting change by leading with optimism and light; giving unconditionally of themselves and forever changing each of us.
Best Scene Design (Finalist)
Houston Theater Awards, Houston Press
2020
Best Scene Design for Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (A.D. Players)
Paul Varg Award
MSU College of Arts and Letters
2019
In honor of faculty who exhibit excellence in teaching that intellectually challenges students and instills in them a desire for continuing inquiry and growth beyond their university experience; named after the College’s first dean, the Paul Varg.
Pulsar Award
Lansing City Pulse
2019
Scene Design for Oklahoma! (Michigan State University)
Outstanding Supervisor Award
Michigan State University
2017
In honor of MSU supervisors who have consistently demonstrated worklife sensitivity and support of the professional/personal needs of the employees in their unit.
Award for Innovation and Leadership in Teaching and Learning
MSU College of Arts and Letters
2011
In honor of faculty who demonstrate outstanding leadership and go beyond the performance of routine tasks, are generous in sharing insights, and provide the hard work and mentoring that creates vision and excellence in programs and departments.