Van Phillips

Van Phillips' grass-roots beginning as a user of theatres and subsequent growth into an established scenic and lighting designer is the background he brings to the programming and design of theatres and places of public assembly today. He developed his keen interest in theatrical architecture while working as the Assistant Technical Director at the Dallas Theatre Center in the early 1960's. Van studied theatre design and architecture, then completed his graduate fine arts education at the University of Texasin 1969. An "All Categories" member of the United Scenic Artists, his costume, lighting and scenic designs include numerous productions both as guest and resident artist for theatre, opera, ballet, television and film.

In 1974, Van first worked with Ted Jones. Their collaboration led, in 1976, to the incorporation of Jones & Phillips. While theatrical planning and design were the initial focus, the firm's projects now include arenas, convention centers, houses of worship - any place of public assembly. Architectural lighting design rounds out the list of services offered by the company.

Van's extensive design background infuses his theatrical planning with visual excitement and creativity. At the same time, every project benefits from his practice of comprehensive research into client budgets, expectations and goals. Van's artistic eye and realistic approach lead to functional buildings that project an appealing face to patrons.

Van recently retired from Purdue University after a thirty-three year career teaching design and theatrical consulting. It was due to Van's professional experience that Purdue was able to offer the only degree in Theatrical Consulting in the country.

He continues to bring his years of production design experience to theatre planning. This practice assures that our projects will reflect not just the latest catalog equipment but the most versatile and applicable technology. Van has a unique talent for helping clients blend the realities of their spaces and purses with the dynamics of their dreams.

Résumé

Project Role

Theatrical Facilities Programming
Architectural Design Coordination
Facility Operations Evaluation
Architectural Lighting Designer

Education

M.F.A. Theatre, University of Texas, 1969.
B.F.A. Theatre, Southwestern University, 1967.

Memberships

American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC)
United Scenic Artists, Local Union 829, New York, Design Director, All Categories (USAA)
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local Union 1 (IATSE)
United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
Organization International Des Scenographers Et Technicians De Theatre (OISTT)

Experience

Principal, Jones & Phillips Associates, Inc. 1974-present.
Freelance Scenic, Lighting, and Costume Designer, over 60 professional productions in theatre, opera, dance, and television. 1965-present.
- Purdue University:
- Professor Emeritus, 2001
- Full Professor, 1976-2001
- Director of Design and Technical Theatre - 1974-2001
- Acting Director of Theatre 1975-76 and 1982-83
University of South Florida: Director of Design and Technical Theatre. 1969-1974.
Over 250 productions designed for University and College Theatres (as resident or guest artist). 1966-present.

Professional Activities & Awards

United States Institute for Theatre Technology Founder's Award, 2000
Fellow of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, 1984.
Listed in "Who's Who in Theatre Consulting," Theatre Crafts, 1983.
Head of the U.S. Scenography Delegation to OISTT, International Congress on Scenography, Prague, 1976.
Listed in "Who's Who in Opera," New York Times Publication, 1976.
Chair of the Theatre Panel of Indiana Arts Commission, 1975-1979.
Commission on the Proposed City Cultural Center and Downtown Mall, Tampa Arts Council, 1973.
U.S.I.T.T. Finance Committee, 1978-1999.
U.S.I.T.T. Co-chair of Awards, 1988-1999.
U.S.I.T.T. Board of Directors, 1974-1984.

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