Dennis Wright, a BYU Theatre Arts Studies Associate Professor has become the new Associate Chair of the department and the Artistic Director for BYU Theatre. Wright teaches costume design in the Theatre Arts Studies program, but he is also a fashion designer, a producer, and an actor. As an undergraduate student at BYU, he majored in Clothing & Textiles with a minor in Theatre. He went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts degree from Boston University in Theatrical Costume Design.
After school, he worked as a costume designer and project manager for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida before becoming an instructor then Department Chair at Sanford-Brown College (formerly IADT) where he oversaw programs in Fashion Design & Merchandising, Game Production, and Graphic Design. In 2014 Dennis was awarded Career Education Corporation’s Educator of the Year.
Dennis returned to BYU in 2016 where he has developed a reputation for outstanding student mentorship, careful leadership, and exquisite costumes designs. He emphasizes providing students with meaningful, hands-on experiences in the arts, finding great joy in showcasing their talents to the community. “I’m passionate about giving our theatre students strong, well-supported opportunities while bringing exceptional theatre to our audiences,” he shares. “We strive to involve students in as many production roles as possible”.
Dennis’s design work has been seen locally at the Hale Center Theatre Orem (Oliver!, Pride and Prejudice, The Drowsy Chaperone), The Hale Center Theatre Sandy (Fiddler on the Roof, Catch Me If You Can, Titanic), and of course, here at BYU, where he has designed eight productions. Most recently he designed this year’s production of House of Desires by Sor Juana de la Cruz, which was set in the Spanish Golden Age.
The TMA program has always played a significant role in Dennis’ life, including meeting his wife, Kimberly, while they were both performing in the BYU Theatre’s 1992 production of Twelfth Night. Today, they are proud parents of four young-adult children, two of whom are currently TMA students, too.
Dennis is excited for the future of BYU Theatre, understanding that we have very capable students who will excel in all aspects of theatre production. “Future theatre students can look forward to continued dedication from their faculty, excellent shows with strong design and performance opportunities and, of course, the new Arts Building!” We are thrilled Dennis has accepted this new role and look forward to his excellent and creative leadership.