Ed Baker

Overview

Ed serves the School of Performing Arts by heading up the Stage Management Certificate in the Theatre Program and as the Technical Director for School Productions. He has spent the majority of his career as a professional entertainment technologist in theatre, film/television, concerts, and convention/exposition venues.
Professor Baker has developed and put into place a new program of Stage Management Studies. Students are now able to pursue a Certificate in Stage Management along with their Baccalaureate degree. The Certificate in Stage Management consists of a balanced combination of required courses that provide a wide range of knowledge in management, sociology and theatre, as well as practical training essential for a stage management professional. Workshops, seminars and lectures by guest professionals provide an essential component in the program progression.

Academic Interests and Expertise

• Ohio University, M.F.A.
• Wichita State University, B.A.

Areas of Teaching Interest

Major areas of teaching

• Theatre Management Practicum
• Stagecraft: Applied Technology
• Stage Management
• Drafting and Visual Standards for the Theatre
• Applied Materials and Process Lab for Production 
• Theatre Internship

Areas of Service

Major areas of service

• Active member of the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) and the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT)

Other Interests

Major areas of research or creative activity

• Production Design
• Technology
• Theatre and Stage Management

Professor Baker’s research agenda is rooted in applied curiosity as a guiding principal for the creative worker and artist. By giving them the tools of creativity, innovation and invention along with the skills of the entrepreneur he provides students with more than the technical ability to work for a living. He provides them with the tools to build a career while creating the theatre culture of the twenty-first century. 

His fundamental academic philosophy is best summed up as: “We may not always be comfortable with what the future holds. We will very likely laugh, and mock and miss-identify the next big innovation in art, culture or technology… We may already be doing it! Think, though; If we live in fear of the unknown, how will we be able to embrace future innovations? If we are to grow our stake in the world and answer the demands of continued innovation and growth we must be brave and follow our curiosities with passion.”