Courtney Smith
Production Designer: Department of Theatre; Company & Budget Manager: Summer Immersive Learning Experiences

- Office
- Wright Memorial Theatre 202
- courtneys@middlebury.edu
- Office Hours
- Spring semester - Mon & Tue 11:15-12:45pm, or by appointment
COURTNEY SMITH is a scenic, media designer, and technician for live performance. Prior to Middlebury, he was an Associate Professor at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. Courtney’s designs have received several Meritorious Achievement Awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Additionally, his work received a “Distinguished Achievement Award in Scenic Design” from the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
Credits include Potomac Theatre Project (PTP/NYC), Project Y Theatre Company (VT/NY), Warren Miller Performing Arts Center (MT), Southwark Playhouse (UK), The Bushwick Starr (NY), Roundabout Theatre Company (NY), New York City Opera (NY), Playwrights Horizons (NY), Classic Stage Company (NY), Cedar Lake Dance (NY), Marvel Repertory Theatre (NY), Mount Baker Repertory Theatre (WA), Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (MT), Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre (ID), and Idaho Repertory Theatre (ID).
Courtney is a member of United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT) and received his MFA in scenic design and technology from the University of Idaho.
Courses Taught
THEA 0113
Lighting Design I: Beginning
Course Description
Lighting Design I: Beginning
This course examines historical and present lighting theories, theatrical artistic movements, and theatrical literature, leading to the planning and conceptual development of the lighting plot. Class projects will also introduce the student to sketching, painting, sculpture, script analysis, and presentation skills. In addition, students will work on productions in order to understand better how theory relates to practice. 25 hours of production lab work will be assigned in class/3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
THEA 0129
Spring Production Studio: Des
Course Description
Spring Production Studio: Design
In preparing two fully produced theatrical productions for the stage, students will participate in and be exposed to professional production practices in all areas of theatrical design, including sets, costumes, props, lights, and sound. Students will be involved in planning, building, painting, constructing, and running and striking of shows. More advanced students may speak to the professors about taking on special projects, but those with little or no experience backstage are very much encouraged to participate. 8 hrs. lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
THEA 0500
Current
Upcoming
Intermediate Indep Project
Course Description
Intermediate Independent Project
In consultation with their advisors, theatre majors in design may propose a THEA 0500 Intermediate Independent Project. Preliminary proposal forms approved by the student's advisor will be submitted to the program by March 1st of the preceding academic year for those wanting credit in the fall or winter terms and by October 1st for those wanting credit in the spring term. Projects will conform to the guidelines that are available in the theatre office. Students are required to attend a weekly THEA 0500/0700 seminar.
Terms Taught
THEA 0505
Upcoming
Intermediate Ind. Project
Course Description
Intermediate Independent Project
(Approval Required)
Terms Taught
THEA 0700
Senior Project
Course Description
Senior Independent Project
Senior work is required. In consultation with their advisors, theatre majors may propose a THEA 0700 Independent Project. Preliminary proposal forms approved by the student's advisor will be submitted to the program by March 1st of the preceding academic year for those wanting credit in the fall or winter terms and by October 1st for those wanting credit in the spring term. Projects will conform to the guidelines that are available in the theatre office. Students are required to attend a weekly THEA 0500/0700 seminar.
Terms Taught
THEA 1190
Introduction to Digital Media
Course Description
Introduction to Digital Media
In this course students will develop an understanding of how projections can be integrated into the theatrical space. This course is an exploration into projection design and digital media production. We’ll examine the art, tools and craft of projection design as it relates to live performance. Current practices, equipment, programming, mapping, and masking will all be covered.
Terms Taught
Requirements