Starting Your Career as a Theatrical Designer: Insights and Advice from Leading Broadway Designers

Since 1992, Michael J. Riha has been on faculty at the University of Arkansas and holds the position of Director of Design and Vice Chair of the Department of Drama. He has designed scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes for well over one hundred productions. Michael most recent work is as an assistant designer to Christine Jones on the upcoming, 2013, Metropolitan Opera production of Rigolleto as well as the Broadway revival of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, starring Harry Connick Jr. Other credits include projects at the MUNY in St Louis' Forest Park, where he has worked with theatre professionals such as producer and director Mr. Paul Blake, lighting designers F. Mitchell Dana and Tony Nominee, David Lander. He has also worked as an assistant designer to Michael Anania on a production of Cinderella at the Olney Theater in Maryland. He has also served as the assistant designer to Steve Gilliam for the recent, National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof starring Topal. He is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829 and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. He lives in Fayetteville, AR.