David E. Patrick

David E. Patrick

Chairperson and Professor of Theatre
Office Location: 109 Browne Hall
Office Phone: (309) 298-1668
Email: DE-Patrick@wiu.edu

David Patrick is Chairperson and Professor of Theatre and Head of Scenic Design. He began teaching at WIU in the fall of 1975. David received both a BA and an MFA from The Ohio State University. He has designed scenery at the Towpath Dinner Theatre and La Commedia Dinner Theatre, both in Ohio, Stagecrafters and Seascape Dinner Theatre, both in Florida. He teaches courses in scene design and drafting (hand and CAD), decor, technical production, theatre business management, musical theatre history, and has taught the Intro to Theatre course numerous times.

South Pacific, scene design
South Pacific, scene design

David has designed scenery on over 150 productions (Mainstage, Summer Music Theatre, and Regional Touring Theatre) and has created numerous lighting designs and even a couple of costume designs. He has also served as a technical director. Five shows with his scenic designs have been presented at the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival (KC/ACTF) regional festivals and two have received national design awards.

David also manages all the business affairs for departmental productions during the academic year as well as being the Managing Director for a number of years for Summer Music Theatre. For the reopening of the remodeled Hainline Theatre, David brought in Cathy Rigby to portray Peter in Peter Pan, for which he also designed the scenery.

David served as acting chairperson of the department on three occasions. For the university, he has served several terms as chairperson of the Council of Curricular Programs and Instruction. He has received two Faculty Excellence Awards, a Professional Achievement Award, is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, and was the College of Fine Arts Outstanding Teacher in 1994-1995.

A Midsummer Night's Dream, scene designer