About Brian J Ruggaber

Education

University of Massachusetts at Amherst 1998
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre – Scenic Design

Virginia Commonwealth University 1992
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technical Production – Emphasis in Lighting Design

Admitted

United Scenic Artists – USA Local 829
United States Institute for Theatre Technology – USITT
Southeastern Theatre Conference – SETC

Experience

Professional

• University of Memphis, Department of Theatre & Dance
  • Program Head of MFA and BFA in Scenic Design and Related Crafts 2013-Current
  • Associate Professor of Scenic Design 2013-Current
• University of Cincinnati College – Conservatory of Music
  • OMDA – Opera, Musical Theatre, Drama, Arts Administration, and Theatre Design & Production
  • Program Head of MFA and BFA in Scenic Design and Related Crafts 2011-2013
  • Program Head of MFA in Props Management and Artisanship 2009-2013
  • Resident Scenic Designer and Assistant Professor of Scenic Design 2006-2013
• The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Department of Dance and Theatre
  • Associate Professor of Scenic Design 2005-2006
  • Assistant Professor of Scenic and Lighting Design 1999-2005
  • Lecturer Scenic in Scenic and Lighting Design 1998-1999
• University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Department of Theater
  • Teaching Assistant 1995-1998

 

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research Interests

Teaching interests: Scenic Design, Theatre Consultant, Prop Artisanship, Scenic Art

Creative Research

Macbeth, Directed by: Jang Han Kim 2015
University of Memphis – Mainstage: Memphis, TN

2015 Shakespeare Live Tour 2015
Macbeth, Directed by: Brian B. Crowe / A Midsummer Night's Dream, Directed by: Stephen Brown-Fried
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey: Madison, NJ

The Wedding Singer, Directed by: Teddy Eck 2014
University of Memphis – Mainstage: Memphis, TN

The Physicist, Directed by: Roberth Hetherington 2014
University of Memphis – Studio Theatre: Memphis, TN

The Medium, Directed by: Ned Canty 2014
Opera Memphis – Playhouse on the Square: Memphis TN

The Double Bill – The Impresario and The Music Shop, Directed by: Ned Canty 2014
Opera Memphis – Playhouse on the Square: Memphis, TN

Chess, Directed by: Stephen Hancock 2014
University of Memphis – Mainstage: Memphis, TN
*2013/13 Ostrander award for Set Design

Oedipus Rex, Directed by: Ed Stern 2013
Cincinnati May Fest – Music Hall: Cincinnati, OH

Pericles, Directed by: Brian B. Crow 2013
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey – Kirby Theatre: Madison, NJ

Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Directed by: Randal T. Stevens 2013
University of Memphis – Mainstage: Memphis, TN

Nine, Directed by John Armstrong 2013
Ohio Northern University – Biggs Theatre: Ada, OH

Street Scene, Directed by: Steven Goldstein 2012
Directed by: Steven Goldstein
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Patricia Corbett Theatre: Cincinnati, OH

Reefer Madness, Directed by: Gwen Arment 2012
Ohio Northern University – Studio Theatre: Ada, OH

Oliver Twist, Directed by: Brian B. Crowe 2012
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey – Kirby Theatre: Madison, NJ

Measure for Measure, Directed by: Bonnie Monte 2012
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey – Kirby Theatre: Madison, NJ

Reasons to be Pretty, Directed by: Mark Seamon 2012
New Edgecliff Theatre – Columbia Performance Center: Cincinnati, OH

Oklahoma, Directed by: Diane Lala 2011
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Corbett Theatre: Cincinnati, OH

Timon of Athens, Directed by: Brian B. Crowe 2011
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey – Kirby Theatre: Madison, NJ

Rent, Directed by: Richard Hess 2011
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Patricia Corbett Theatre: Cincinnati, OH
*2011 Peggy Ezekiel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design – Ohio Valley USITT
*2011 Board's Choice – Ohio Valley USITT

The Matchmaker, Directed by: Richard Hess 2010
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Patricia Corbett Theatre: Cincinnati, OH

Die Fledermaus, Directed by: Steven Goldstein 2010
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Cohen Theatre: Cincinnati, OH

Anything Goes, Directed by: Ashton Byron 2010
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Patricia Corbett Theatre: Cincinnati, OH

Postcards from Morocco, Directed by: Nic Muni 2009
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Cohen Theatre: Cincinnati, OH

Crimes of the Heart, Directed by: Terrell Finney 2009
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Patricia Corbett Theatre: Cincinnati, OH

The Winter's Tale, Directed by: Brian B. Crowe 2008
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey – Kirby Theatre: Madison, NJ

Spring Awakening, Directed by: Richard Hess 2008
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Patricia Corbett Theatre: Cincinnati, OH
*2009 Peggy Ezekiel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design – Ohio Valley USITT

La Bohéme, Directed by: Daniele Piero Plano 2008
Opera and Music Festival of Lucca – Lucca, Italy

La Bohéme, Direccted by: Chuck Hudson 2008
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Corbett Auditorium: Cincinnati, OH
*2007-2008 National Opera Association 2nd Place Category IV

Little Medea, Directed by: Bert Goldstein 2008
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – Education Outreach Tour: Cincinnati, OH

Wonderful Town, Directed by: Diane Lala 2007
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Corbett Auditorium: Cincinnati, OH
*2008 Peggy Ezekiel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design – Ohio Valley USITT

The Full Monty, Directed by Aubrey Berg 2007
University of Cincinnati – CCM – Patricia Corbett Theatre: Cincinnati, OH
*2007 Peggy Ezekiel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design – Ohio Valley USITT
Aida, Directed by: Cathy Springfield 2007
Xavier University – Gallagher Center: Cincinnati, OH

Cymbeline, Directed by: Joe Discher 2006
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey – Kirby Theatre: Madison, NJ

Coriolanus, Directed by: Gregg Brevoort 2006
Texas Shakespeare Festival – Van Cliburn Auditorium: Kilgore, TX

Pericles, Stephen Terrell 2006
Texas Shakespeare Festival – Van Cliburn Auditorium: Kilgore, TX

The School for Husbands, Directed by: Rosann Sheridan 2006
Texas Shakespeare Festival – Van Cliburn Auditorium: Kilgore, TX

Harvey, Directed by: George Boyd 2006
Texas Shakespeare Festival – Van Cliburn Auditorium: Kilgore, Tx

Flying West, Directed by: Dennis Black 2006
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts: Charlotte, NC

The Underpants, Directed by: Stephanie McKellar-Smith 2006
Ohio Northern University – Freed Center: Ada, OH

Murdering Marlowe, Directed by: Jason King Jones (East Coast Premiere) 2005
In Actu Theatre – The Access Space: New York, NY

Enemy of the People, Directed by: Lon Bumgarner 2005
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for outstanding Scenic Design – The Metrolina Theatre Association

Merry Wives of Windsor, Directed by: Jason King Jones 2005
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey – Kirby Theatre: Madison, NJ

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Directed by: Tom Hollis 2005
Central Piedmont Summer Theatre – Pease Auditorium: Charlotte, NC

Crimes of the Heart, Directed by: Dennis Black 2005
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts: Charlotte, NC
*Winner Outstanding Set Design by an Academic Institution – The Metrolina Theatre Association

Miss. Julie, Directed by: Catriona Macphie 2005
Ohio Northern University – Freed Center: Ada, OH

Children of Eden, Directed by: Robert Behrens 2005
Ohio Northern University – Freed Center: Ada, OH

Talley's Folly: Directed by: Susan D. Atkinson 2005
Bristol Riverside Theatre: Bristol, PA

On Your Toes, Directed by: James Vesce; Choreography by: Delia Neil 2004
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts : Charlotte, NC

Love's Labour's Lost, Directed by: Brian B. Crowe 2004
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey – Kirby Theatre: Madison, NJ

Collected Stories, Produced and Directed by: Douglas A. Welton with The Charlotte Novella Festival 2004
Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Private Lives, Directed by: Diana Giesler 2004
Steel Beam Theatre: St. Charles, IL

Cyrano De Bergerac, Directed by: Stan Peel 2004
Epic Arts Repertory Theatre – South End Performing Arts Center: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

A Raisin in the Sun, Directed by: Marilyn Carter 2004
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC

To Kill a Mockingbird, Directed by: James Vesce 2003
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

Blithe Spirit, Directed by: Lon Bumgarner 2003
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Outstanding Set Design – The Metrolina Theatre Association
*Nominated for Outstanding Special Effects – The Metrolina Theatre Association
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine
*Nominated for Best Special/Technical Effect in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Heartworms, Directed by: Maggie Maes (Pre-New York Tryout) 2003
ActorsLoftTheatreCompany of NYC – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC

Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), Directed by: Matt Webster (Tour) 2003
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Studio Theater: Charlotte, NC

The Glass Menagerie, Directed by: Robert Cuccioli 2003
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey – Kirby Theatre: Madison, NJ

Wiley and the Hairy Man, Directed by: Joanna Gerdy 2003
Children's Theatre of Charlotte: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Outstanding Set Design – The Metrolina Theatre Association

Tosca, Directed by: Rebecca Cook-Carter 2003
Central Piedmont Opera – Pease Auditorium: Charlotte, NC

A Lesson Before Dying, Directed by: Greg Allen 2003
University of Massachusetts at Amherst – Curtain Theatre: Amherst, MA

The Man of Lamancha, Directed by: Candice Sorension 2003
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC

Comedy of Errors, Directed by: James Vesce 2003
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Sculpture Garden

Dancing at Lughnasa, Directed by: Diana Giesler 2003
University of St. Francis – Moser Performing Arts Center: Joliet, IL

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Directed by: John Paul Fischbach 2003
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Under the Sycamore Tree, Directed by: Dennis Black 2002
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Shakespeare's R and J, Directed by: Joanna Gerdy 2002
Chickspeare Theatre Company at The Off Tryon Theatre: Charlotte, NC

Lend Me A Tenor, Directed by: Dennis Delimar 2002
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC

Twelfth Night, Directed by: Joanna Gerdy 2002
Chickspeare Theatre Company at The Off Tryon Theatre: Charlotte, NC

The Move, Directed by: James Vesce, Translation by: Harley Erdman 2002
The American premiere of a new translation of Vicente Lenero's play
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Studio Theater: Charlotte, NC

All My Sons, Directed by Diane Giesler 2002
Theatre Charlotte - Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Romeo and Juliet, Directed by: Diana Giesler 2002
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC

Desdemona, A Play about a Handkerchief, Directed by Julie Janorschke 2002
Barebones Theatre Company – Off Tryon Theatre: Charlotte, NC
*Creative Loafing Magazine's Theatre Event of the Year.

The Three Penny Opera, Directed by: James Vesce 2002
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

On the Verge, Directed by: Margaret Anich 2002
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Studio Theatre: Charlotte, NC

You Can't Take It With You, Directed by Diana Giesler 2001
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Fefu and Her Friends, Directed by: Ann Lambert 2001
Chickspeare Theatre Co. at The Off Tryon Theatre: Charlotte, NC
*Creative Loafing Magazine's Theatre Event of the Year
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Beyond the Horizon, Directed by: Dennis Black 2001
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Studio Theatre: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Antigone, Directed by: James Vesce, Choreography by: Delia Neil 2001
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Directed by: Diana Giesler 2001
Co-Production between Theatre Charlotte and The Davidson Players
Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse and Hodson Hall: Charlotte and Davidson, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Ti-Jean and His Brothers, Directed by: Mark Pizzato; Co-Design with William Leonard 2001
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

The Nerd, Directed by: Ann Lambert 2001
The Davidson Players – Hodson Hall: Davidson, NC

Street Song, Directed by: James Vesce, Choreography by: Shaumba Yandje Dibinga 2001
New Work – based on the poetic works of Langston Hughes with Special Guest Khalid Hill
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

Rebecca, Directed by: Diana Giesler 2000
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

South Pacific, Directed by: Diana Giesler 2000
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC

Noises Off, Directed by: James Vesce 2000
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

Blood Brothers, Directed by: Tom Vance 2000
Central Piedmont Summer Theatre – Pease Auditorium: Charlotte, NC

Moon Over Buffalo, Directed by: Tom Hollis 2000
Central Piedmont Summer Theatre – Pease Auditorium: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Carousel , Directed by: Tom Hollis 2000
Central Piedmont Summer Theatre – Peas Auditorium: Charlotte, NC

The Water Station, Directed by Margaret Anich 2000
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

The Philadelphia Story, Directed by: Diana Giesler 2000
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Hello, Dolly!, Directed by: Tom Vance 2000
Central Piedmont Summer Theatre – Pease Auditorium: Charlotte, NC

A Midsummer Night's Dream, Directed by: Missy Thibodeaux; Choreography by: Noel Reiss 2000
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC
*Recognized for Outstanding Scenic Design by The American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) Region 4

House of Mirrors (New Work), Directed by: Matt Webster with Chris Armogida (Tour) 2000
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

The Glass Menagerie, Directed by: Bill Fears 1999
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Peter Pan, Directed by: Doug Zsciegner 1999
Mill Mountain Theatre – Center in the Square: Roanoke, VA

The Baltimore Waltz, Directed by: Missy Thibodeaux 1999
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

Sweet Bird of Youth, Directed by: Diana Giesler 1999
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Bye, Bye, Byrdie, Directed by Tom Vance 1999
Central Piedmont Community College – Pease Auditorium: Charlotte, NC

The Boyfriend, Directed by: Diana Giesler 1999
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC

A Doll's House, Directed by: Diana Giesler 1998
Theatre Charlotte – Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse: Charlotte, NC
*Nominated for Best Scenic Design in Charlotte – Creative Loafing Magazine

Waiting For Godot, Directed by: Nefertiti Burton 1998
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

Assassins, Directed by Maxwell Mount 1998
University of Massachusetts at Amherst – Rand Theatre: Charlotte,NC

The Mad Dad Show, Directed by: Kate Nugent (New Work) 1998
Sleeveless Theatre Co. – North Hampton, MA

The Baltimore Waltz, Directed by: Laura Tichler 1997
New Century Theatre – Smith College: North Hampton, MA

Unmerciful Good Fortune, Directed by: Roberta Uno 1997
New WORLD Theatre – Hampdon Theatre: Amherst, MA

Mill America, Directed by: Lisa Channer (New Work) 1996
Sleeveless Theatre Co. – North Hampton, MA

God of Vengeance, Directed by: Laura Tichler 1996
The University of Massachusetts at Amherst – Rand Theatre: Amherst, MA

Dramatic Discoveries, Produced by: Kelly S. Clark-Amherst (New Play Festival) 1996
University of Massachusetts at Amherst – Rand Theatre: Amherst, MA

Little Eyeolf, Directed by: Jeff Lindquist 1992
Virginia Commonwealth University – Shafer Street Theatre: Richmond, VA

Fall Dance Concert 2005
Choreographers: E.E. Balcos, Sybil Huskey, Delia Neil, with Guest Choreographer
Clay Taliaferro – Duke University Dance Program
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts: Charlotte, NC

Transformations – Dance Concert 2005
Choreographers: Noel Riess, Delia Neil, with Guest Choreographers
Keesha Beckford – Kinetyx Dance Ensemble and American Dance Art
Hardin Minor – Omimeo
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts: Charlotte, NC

Eclectic Motion – Dance Concert 2004
Choreographers: Sybil Huskey, Noel Reiss, James Vesce, Bethany Coda, with Guest Choreographers
Keesha Beckford – Kinetyx Dance Ensemble and American Dance Art,
Donnell Stines – Moving Poets
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

Object in Question – Dance Concert 2003
Choreographers: Delia Neil, Sybil Husky, Noel Reiss, Pam Sofras, and Guest Choreographer
Kim Robards – Artistic Director for the Kim Robards Dance Company, Denver, CO.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

Crossing the Border – Dance Concert 2002
Choreographers: Delia Neil, Noel Reiss, Sybil Husky and including "Afoxe"
a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance staged by Guest Choreographer Vivar Brazil
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

Foot Prints to Heartbeats – Concert 2001
Choreographers: Delia Neil, Noel Reiss, Sybil Husky and Brie Furches; with
"Rooms Etude" created by Lorry May based upon "Rooms" by Anna Sokolow
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

Petrushka/Commedia Workshop 2001
Choreography adapted by: Delia Neil; Directed by: Bill Fears
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC

Some-Bodies – Dance Concert 1999
Choreography by: Delia Neil and Noel Reiss with Guest Choreographers
Mark Diamond – North Carolina Dance Theatre, and an adaptation of
Donald McKayle's Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder entitled Rainbow Etude
Commissioned by the American Dance Legacy Institute.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Rowe Theatre: Charlotte, NC