THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCENIC SPECTACLE

FRANK MOHLER
Professor Emeritus
Department of Theatre & Dance
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28607
mohlerfc@appstate.edu

EDUCATION

Ph.D. [1976], M.A. [1969], B.A. [1965], The Ohio State University

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Appalachian State University. Professor Emeritus, 2004- Professor, 1989-2004; Associate Professor, 1983-89
University of Virginia.  Assistant Professor, 1975-82
University of South Carolina.  Assistant Professor, 1970-75

PRODUCTION DESIGN

Over 250 setting and lighting designs, 1960-2003.

RECENT HONORS

College of Fine and Applied Arts Excellence in Scholarship Creative Activity Award, ASU, 2004.
Herbert D. Greggs Award, United States Institute for Theatre Technology, 2004.
Academy of Outstanding Teachers, College of Fine and Applied Arts, ASU.
Herbert D. Greggs Merit Award, United States Institute for Theatre Technology, 2000.
Teaching Excellence Award, UNC Board of Governors, 1999-2000.
College of Fine and Applied Arts Outstanding Faculty Award, ASU, 1999-2000.
100 Scholars Research Award, ASU Graduate Studies and Research, 1999-2000.
Founders' Award, Outstanding Educator in Theatre Design and Technology, Southeast Section of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, 1999-2000.
Suzanne M. Davis Award for Outstanding Service to Theatre in the South, SETC, 1995.

GRANTS

USITT Member International Travel Award, 2006.

National Science Foundation grant,  "Performance Simulation System: Virtual Vaudeville," 2002-2004
Travel  grant,  ASU International Studies, 2000
Faculty Computer and Software Use grant, Appalachian State University, 1998-99.
New Initiatives Grant, United States Institute for Theatre Technology, 1997-98
Board of Trustees Travel Grant, Appalachian State University, 1993-94
Research Grant, Graduate School, Appalachian State University, 1985-86, 1993-94, 1996-97, 2001-2002, 2002-2003.
Summer Research Grant, Graduate School, Appalachian State University, 1994, 1997, 1998, 2001.

ARTS LEADERSHIP

Director of Theatre, Theatre & Dance, Appalachian State University, 1993 - 97
Interim Director, Office of Cultural Affairs, Appalachian State University, 1991- 92. Director of Operations, 1990-91
President, Southeastern Theatre Conference, 1990 - 91.
Board of Directors,  Southeastern Theatre Conference, 1987 - 92.
Board of Directors, North Carolina Theatre Conference, 1994 - 98

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

The Development of Scenic Spectacle web site:  http://www1.appstate.edu/orgs/spectacle
"The Variety of Spectacular Machinery Used in the Production of Baroque Theatre," The World of Barogue Theatre: A Compilation of Essays fromth Cesky Krumlov Conferences 2002-2003, 25-56.
" Mnichovo Hradiste: The Survival of the 'English System' in the Czech Republic," Theatre Design & Technology, ) Winter 2003, 48-58.
" Computer Modeling As A Tool For The Reconstruction of Historic Theatrical Production Techniques," Theatre Journal, (December 1999). 417-431.
" Survival of the Mechanized Flat Wing Scene Change: The Court Theatres of Drottningholm, Gripsholm, and at Cesky Krumlov," Theatre Design and Technology, (Winter 1999): 46-56.
" A Brief Shining Moment: An Effect That Disappeared From the Illusionistic Stage," Theatre Symposium, 4 (1996): 81-90.

RECENT INVITATIONAL LECTURES AND PAPERS

"Speed and Effectiveness on the Scenic Change on the Illustionistic Stage," The World Baroque Theater Conference," Castle Cesky Krumlov,  Czech Republic, June 2006.

"The Spectacular Baroque Theatre," Kresge Art Museum, Michigan State University, February 2004.
" Illusionistic Production in the English Renaissance," 2nd Blackfriars Conference, Staunton,VA, 2003.
" Medici Wings:  The Scene Change in Renaissance Florence," International Federation for Theatre Research (FIRT/IFTR], Prague, June 2003.
" The Development of Scenic Spectacle Web Site," OISTAT Scenofest. Praque Quadrennial '03,  June 2003.
" The Variety of Spectacular Machinery Used in the Production of Baroque Theatre," The World Baroque Theater Conference," Castle Cesky Krumlov,  Czech Republic, June 2002
" The English System in the Czech Republic: Mnichovo Hradiste," Southeastern Theatre Conference, Mobile, March 2002)
" The 18th Century Court Theatre at Cesky Krumlov," Southeastern Theatre Conference, Jacksonville, 2001
" The Virtual Cesky Krumlov Court Theatre," United States Institute for Theatre Technology meeting, Denver, 2000.
" A Computer Model of a Seventeenth Century Venetian Theatre," Southeastern Theatre Conference, Norfolk, 2000.
" Computer Animation as a Tool for the Reconstruction of Historic Theatre Production Techniques," Organisation Internationale des Scénografes, Techniciens et Architectes de Théâtre, History and Theory Commission meeting, Toronto, 1999.
" The Rise of Scenic Spectacle," United States Institute for Theatre Technology meeting, Toronto, 1999.

OTHER ACTIVITY

Consultant, Baroque Opera: Miracles and Disasters, Museum of Jurassic Technology, Culver City, CA.
Conceptual design, Valborg Theatre Renovation.
Conceptual design, Center for Theatre and Dance addition.

6/1/06