Brad Dell, associate professor of theatre, will assume the position of director of theatre starting May 16, 2018. He will replace Jane Cox, who is retiring from the University on May 15.
“I am extremely excited and honored to help progress ISU Theatre toward an exciting future by working with our talented, dynamic and passionate team of faculty, staff and students to build upon the strong foundation laid by Jane Cox and many others,” Dell said.
Specializing in directing, musical theatre, and script analysis, Dell began as a lecturer in the theatre program in 2005. His position became tenure track in 2009, and he earned tenure in 2015. Dell has typically directed two productions per year for ISU Theatre, including many spring musicals and opera productions.
Beyond ISU, Dell has served in multiple positions with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, most recently as Chair of KCACTF Region 5, which includes colleges and universities in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. Dell has also had significant involvement in the Des Moines Theatre Community as Artistic Director, Director, and Actor with Iowa Stage Theatre Company, Repertory Theatre of Iowa, and StageWest Theatre Company. Dell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Westminster College and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from Western Illinois University.
Dell looks forward to strengthening existing partnerships and fostering new collaborations between ISU Theatre and departments and organizations on campus and throughout the greater community.
“Theatre is one of the cornerstones of Liberal Arts education. ISU Theatre looks forward to reaching out into the community in order to both inspire dialogue and to be inspired by the relevant conversations of our times.”
“We are thrilled and excited for Brad to be taking the helm of the Theatre program,” said Donald Simonson, Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre. “Brad has had great success both on campus and beyond during his time here at ISU. As director of ISU’s musicals for the last thirteen years, Brad has developed a strong understanding of both the music and theatre sides of our department. He has both the vision and the temperament to dynamically lead ISU Theatre into the future.”