D. Andrew Gibbs is currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Drama, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he has taught since 1978. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, he serves as director of the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Lighting program and teaches courses in lighting design and technology, theatre architecture, theatre and stage management and scene design.

Professor Gibbs’ educational background includes a Ph.D. in Theatre from the University of Illinois, an MA in Drama/Design from the University of Washington and a BFA in Theatre from the University of Connecticut. A primary research interest has been the planning and design of theatres and performing arts centers. Studies in this area has lead to teaching in this field as well as an on-going practice as a theatre consultant with experience in new theatre and performing arts center design as well as restoration and renovation of existing theatres and the development of theatres in found spaces. 

Professor Gibbs is a past National Design Chair for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Additional experience with the KCACTF includes serving as member of the National Selection Team, the National Committee as a Member-at-Large and Chair of Region VI (including Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana). 

Other organizational involvement includes active memberships in the U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology and the Association for Theatre in Higher Education. He has published several articles and frequently presents research papers and programs at a variety of regional and national conferences

Professor Gibbs’ career includes, in addition to the Arkansas tenure, six years as designer/technical director at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M, Commerce) and several years in the commercial lighting business. An occasional guest lighting design gig and on-going research into pickup trucks and the best sources for burgers and fries are popular alternative activities.

Education:

Ph.D. University of Illinois
M.A. University of Washington
B.F.A. University of Connecticut

Major areas of interest:

Lighting Design
Theatre Architecture
Scene Design
Theatre Management and Administration

Classes taught regularly:

Lighting I and II, (undergraduate)
Lighting III and IV, (graduate)
Lighting Technology
Theatre Architecture
Intro. To Dramatic Art (honors)
Theatre Management

Most recent productions:

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS - Lighting Design
ALL MY SONS - Lighting Design
DOUBT - Lighting Design
SWEENEY TODD - Lighting Design

Professional theatre experience:

Theatre consultant to over 60 theatres, performance facilities and commercial venues
Lighting and scenic design
Commercial interiors and graphics

Professional affiliations :

U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology
Association for Theatre in Higher Education
Illuminating Engineering Society
Southwest Theatre Association

On-going research:

Lighting fixture design
Lighting design software in the classroom: its evaluation and applicability to curriculum
Historic theatre lighting methodology
Integration of storage facilities to performing arts centers

Other activities:

Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival
National Design Chair, 2000-2003
Past Chair, Region VI, 1991-94
National Board Member, 1994-97
Member, National Selection Team
Design colloquium coordinator, 25th and 30th Anniversaries
Design adjudicator and/or production respondent to over 600 ACTF productions in all eight ACTF regions
Walton Arts Center BRAVO Award, 2003