Biography
Kirk Domer, Professor of Scene Design, 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.
As the Resident Scene Designer for the Ohio Light Opera, Kirk has designed the World Premieres of A Friend of Napoleon , by James Stuart and Robert Ward, and Amanda Jacobs and Lindsay Baker’s Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice , as well as the North American Premieres of Emmerich Kálmán’s A Soldier’s Promise, The Violet of Montmartre and Autumn Maneuvers.
He has also designed for Stages Repertory Theatre, Williamston 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 the scenery for a video-enhanced production of ERNIE, a world premiere play by internationally renowned and best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, radio and television broadcaster and musician, Mitch Albom. Ernie celebrated its seventh season in 2017 at various venues throughout Michigan and in Florida. His recent design of Albom’s Hockey, the Musical premiered in 2016 and is celebrating its second season at various venues throughout 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
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.
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.
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.
Paul Varg Award
MSU College of Arts & 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.
Award for Innovation and Leadership in Teaching and Learning
MSU College of Arts & Letters Alumni
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.
Best Scene Design (Finalist)
Houston Theater Awards, Houston Press
2020
Best Scene Design for Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (A.D. Players)
Pulsar Award
Lansing City Pulse
2019
Scene Design for Oklahoma! (Michigan State University)
Courses
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