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William C. Kenyon

  • Professor of Theatre, Lighting Design
  • Head, Lighting Design Program

  • Theatre Lighting & Sound Design

  • Stage Management

221B Theatre Building

William Kenyon

Biography

William C. Kenyon serves as Professor and Head of the Lighting Design Program in the School of Theatre. An active professional designer, Prof. Kenyon has designed over 200 plays, operas, and dances, along with over a dozen national and international tour seasons of theatre and dance. Prof. Kenyon has been involved in Native American theatre and dance for over 25 years, serving as resident Lighting Designer for the American Indian Dance Theatre, and was involved in the complete re-imagining of Unto These Hills, a massive outdoor spectacle celebrating the history of the Cherokee Tribe. His architectural design work can be seen in several locations on the University Park campus, including the Nittany Lion Shrine.

While primarily a Lighting Designer, Prof. Kenyon also works as a Scenic & Projections Designer, Sound Designer, Technical Director, and Stage Manager. Prof. Kenyon is the author of Theatre & Stage Photography, which addresses the challenges of photography for live performance. His research interests include the History of Theatrical Lighting, LED Lighting Technology, and Photography. Prof. Kenyon currently serves as Secretary and an Executive Committee Member for OISTAT.

Prof. Kenyon holds a BFA from the University of Connecticut, and an MFA from Brandeis University, both in Theatre Design. Professional Memberships include OISTAT (Organisation Internationale des Scénographes, Techniciens et Architectes de Théâtre), USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology), IALD (International Association of Lighting Designers), IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America), and USAA (United Scenic Artists of America), Local #829.

Selected Works

Performer kneels beside a wooden cross on a sandy stage surrounded by rock formations and tall trees. Blue and purple theatrical lighting illuminates the scene, with additional performers visible in the background near a small fire.
Wide view of a theatrical set depicting a stone-faced house with a porch, patio furniture, and garden seating. One performer sits at a small table in the courtyard while warm stage lighting highlights the detailed outdoor setting.
erson in a red jacket kneels beside a bed with a blue comforter, resting both hands on the mattress. Dramatic blue and amber stage lighting illuminates a bedroom set with pillows, a laundry basket, and a door in the background.
Two performers stand center stage holding hands on a stylized set beneath a crescent moon backdrop. Purple and blue theatrical lighting silhouettes wooden platforms and structures surrounding the pair.