Biography
Stephen received his BA in Theatre from the College of Wooster in Ohio, and a Masters of Fine Arts in Directing from Illinois State University. After college, Stephen spent decades working in professional theatre, in both the creative and administrative arenas.
As an artist, Stephen's work including directing, music directing, piano performance, conducting, and music composition, in several US and London, UK. Larger companies included Portland Center Stage, Artists Repertory Theatre, the Northwest Children's Theatre, and the Philipsburg Opera House in Montana. His work garnered four Drammy awards (Portland, OR's "Tonys"), as well as several other region awards and fellowships.
Stephen led a simultaneous career in arts management throughout his freelance years. Position included Executive Director (Portland Women's Theatre), Business Manager (Stark Raving Theatre), Audience Services Coordinator (Artists Repertory), and associate artistic positions at the Northwest Children's Theatre and Illinois Shakespeare Festival. His creative and management focuses merged as the Artistic Director at Grandstreet Theatre in Helena, MT.
With over 150 production sunder his belt, Stephen is grateful to bring his long, diverse journey to the singular focus of supporting the students, faculty, and productions at Willamette University.