{"id":3687,"date":"2026-08-26T11:31:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T15:31:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/?page_id=3687"},"modified":"2026-09-23T10:51:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T14:51:36","slug":"structural_design","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/structural_design\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n    <div  class=\"purdue-home-diagonal-hero has-black-background\">\n        <div class=\"section has-padding-top-large has-padding-bottom-large\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-home-diagonal-hero__content\">\n                \n                                                        <h1 class=\"second-level-page-heading purdue-home-diagonal-hero__header\">Structural Design and Analysis in Live Entertainment Courses<\/h1>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"purdue-home-diagonal-hero__subtext\">\n\n                        \n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Purdue\u2019s <strong>100% online, self-paced certificate<\/strong> teaches the structural and engineering principles behind safe, effective scenic construction.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                \n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"image\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/MG_7973-medium-scaled-e1762204800506.jpg\"\/>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div  class=\"section has-padding-top-none  page-layout-wide page-layout-two-column\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n                \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Offered by Purdue\u2019s Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns page-layout-columns columns is-multiline is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column column is-one-quarter-desktop is-full-tablet is-full-mobile page-layout-sidebar is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Purdue\u2019s <strong>100% online Structural Design and Analysis in Live Entertainment courses <\/strong>provide industry professionals and aspiring designers with essential skills to create safe and effective scenic structures for theater, events and entertainment productions. These three courses offer a practical, real-world approach to structural engineering concepts in scenic design.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taught by an expert in theater engineering and production management with decades of related experience, this course provides an accessible, non-math-based approach for understanding how various stage structures work \u2013 and the engineering principles that make them effective. Learners don\u2019t need a background in math or engineering to enroll.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These courses are a fast and flexible upskilling opportunity for community and school theater managers, theater set engineers, theater teachers, technical directors, stagehands and anyone else who works with theater and entertainment sets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learners can take the first course (Pre-Qualified Structures) individually or complete a five-course certificate. Each course includes <strong>eight professional development hours<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Offerings:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--large\">\n    <div class=\"section has-black-background has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-topborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title \" id=\"title-e274547e-0a42-49e0-a447-95b1e8bd5719\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-e274547e-0a42-49e0-a447-95b1e8bd5719\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Pre-Qualified Structures<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-e274547e-0a42-49e0-a447-95b1e8bd5719\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>$500 | Open Enrollment<\/strong>&nbsp; &#8211; Can be taken with or without the full certificate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This foundational course introduces the use of pre-qualified structures in theater set design and the engineering principles that ensure their safety. Learners will:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understand load distribution on platforms and staging.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify structural considerations for various set materials.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn framing, leg supports, and pre-manufactured platforming techniques.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work with sheet goods, stick lumber, and stressed-skin panels (&#8220;triscuits&#8221;).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the <strong>first course<\/strong> in the upcoming certificate program and is recommended as a starting point for all learners.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those pursuing the full certificate should take <strong>Pre-Qualified Structures<\/strong> first.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>*If you take this course as a stand-alone course, and later decide to pursue the full certificate, you can contact the instructor or Fusion Studio (fusion-studio@purdue.edu) to request a discounted rate for the full certificate.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-buttons purdue-home-buttons--left \">\n    <div class=\"purdue-home-button-list\">\n                    <div class=\"\"><a class=\"purdue-home-button\" href=\"http:\/\/www.eventreg.purdue.edu\/online\/PreQualifiedStructures\" target=\"_self\" >Register Here<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--large\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-small\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder has-no-topborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title \" id=\"title-4ebfe37f-7742-4750-bb2c-3665d7a3324c\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-4ebfe37f-7742-4750-bb2c-3665d7a3324c\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Structural Design and Analysis in Live Entertainment Certificate<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-4ebfe37f-7742-4750-bb2c-3665d7a3324c\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>$2,000 for 5-course Certificate | Open Enrollment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every theatre artist wants to create dynamic and inspiring physical worlds on stage that reflect the stories they tell. It goes without saying that every theatre artist wants those physical worlds to be strong and safe\u2014no one wants to be the one whose scenery collapsed under the cast. The Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering\u2019s <strong>Structural Design and Analysis Certificate<\/strong> is a five-course experience designed to introduce theatre artists to the fundamentals of structural analysis and how to apply those in collaboration with designers, directors, and other stakeholders to ensure the worlds we build are as safe as we can make them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The certificate follows an approach rooted in the principles of static equilibrium and includes learning to calculate the loads on a structure, the impact of the geometric properties of each structural member\u2019s cross section, and the contributions specific, commonly used materials make to the strength of a structure. While this certificate is no replacement for a qualified engineer when necessary, the skills gained through the completion of this certificate should give one confidence that they understand what is stake, can design structurally safe scenic elements for most typical theatrical applications, and know when they a project requires the input of a qualified engineer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Four of the five courses are completely asynchronous, with one year to complete the material for each course; because the final capstone course includes peer review and feedback, it is offered on a more limited basis.<\/p>\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-buttons purdue-home-buttons--left \">\n    <div class=\"purdue-home-button-list\">\n                    <div class=\"\"><a class=\"purdue-home-button purdue-home-button--black\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventreg.purdue.edu\/ec2k\/courselisting.aspx?1=%20&amp;master_ID=6664%20&amp;course_area=1350%20&amp;course_number=228%20&amp;course_subtitle=00\" target=\"_self\" >Register Here<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Certificate Courses Include: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--large\">\n    <div class=\"section has-black-background has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-topborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title \" id=\"title-3cb9ce31-738c-4287-9589-34c00556e9f6\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-3cb9ce31-738c-4287-9589-34c00556e9f6\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Pre-Qualified Structures<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-3cb9ce31-738c-4287-9589-34c00556e9f6\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This foundational course introduces the use of pre-qualified structures in theater set design and the engineering principles that ensure their safety. Learners will:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understand load distribution on platforms and staging.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify structural considerations for various set materials.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn framing, leg supports, and pre-manufactured platforming techniques.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work with sheet goods, stick lumber, and stressed-skin panels (&#8220;triscuits&#8221;).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the <strong>first course<\/strong> in the upcoming certificate program and is recommended as a starting point for all learners.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those pursuing the full certificate should take <strong>Pre-Qualified Structures<\/strong> first.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>*If you take this course as a stand-alone course, and later decide to pursue the full certificate, you can contact the instructor or Fusion Studio (fusion-studio@purdue.edu) to request a discounted rate for the full certificate.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--large\">\n    <div class=\"section has-black-background has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-topborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title \" id=\"title-1a4e6fd1-f75d-41f8-81fe-97a5f9889b36\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-1a4e6fd1-f75d-41f8-81fe-97a5f9889b36\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Structural Load Analysis<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-1a4e6fd1-f75d-41f8-81fe-97a5f9889b36\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This course dives into the structural analysis of scenic elements, equipping learners with tools to assess and document forces within set structures. Participants will:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Break down complex scenic elements into individual structural components.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create and interpret free body diagrams.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply static equilibrium principles to ensure structural stability.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Analyze internal stresses in scenic elements to predict material behavior under load.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--large\">\n    <div class=\"section has-black-background has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-topborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title \" id=\"title-a56c22b0-1466-4624-9fa7-cb9b693c543a\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-a56c22b0-1466-4624-9fa7-cb9b693c543a\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Geometric Properties<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-a56c22b0-1466-4624-9fa7-cb9b693c543a\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This course explores the geometric properties of structural members and their impact on load-bearing capacity. Learners will:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Examine how cross-sectional shapes affect structural integrity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Calculate key geometric properties, including the centroid, moment of inertia and section modulus.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand the relationship between these properties and bending\/compression strength.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--large\">\n    <div class=\"section has-black-background has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-topborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title \" id=\"title-ebf39eec-36bf-4ddc-ad6d-1d9fb48db95d\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-ebf39eec-36bf-4ddc-ad6d-1d9fb48db95d\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Lumber Materials Analysis<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-ebf39eec-36bf-4ddc-ad6d-1d9fb48db95d\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This course explores how the properties of softwood lumber commonly used in scenic construction affect a structure\u2019s ability to safely resist loads. Learners will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply adjusted allowable stress values alongside loading conditions and geometric properties to evaluate structural safety.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand how structural lumber is categorized and graded by species, size, and strength.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify and adjust allowable compressive, bending, and shear stresses based on material properties and use conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--large\">\n    <div class=\"section has-black-background has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder has-no-topborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title \" id=\"title-fcf6391a-4d53-42bf-bb30-3a1419a811d6\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-fcf6391a-4d53-42bf-bb30-3a1419a811d6\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Structural Design Capstone<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-fcf6391a-4d53-42bf-bb30-3a1419a811d6\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Open Enrollment<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This capstone course explores how to apply structural analysis and engineering design principles to develop safe, practical scenic solutions while balancing production goals, budgets, schedules, and stakeholder needs. Learners will:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Frame and scope a structural design project based on typical scenic design materials and asking appropriate questions of key stakeholders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop multiple potential design solutions to a structural scenic problem based on their understanding of the loading conditions and exploring multiple combinations of supports, shapes of structural members, and material choices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify from multiple potential design solutions an optimal solution given the parameters defined by the project framing\/project scope.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because this course includes peer engagement and critique, it will only be offered once per year.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><div  class=\"purdue-home-quote  purdue-home-quote-simple\">\n        <div class=\"section has-no-sidepadding has-none-background\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n                        <div class=\"purdue-home-quote-card\">\n                                 <div class=\"purdue-home-quote-content\">\n                    <blockquote>\n                        \n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing structurally sound construction techniques, and understanding how they work, makes the difference between scenic elements that support the story\u2014and the actors\u2014and scenic elements that fall down and put everyone at risk.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n                    <\/blockquote>\n                                        <p class=\"purdue-home-quote__name\">Rich dionne<\/p>\n                                                        <\/div>\n             <\/div>\n                     <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News and Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column special-me is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/02\/she-kills-monsters-7605.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/02\/she-kills-monsters-7605.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/02\/she-kills-monsters-7605-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/02\/she-kills-monsters-7605-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/02\/she-kills-monsters-7605-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/02\/she-kills-monsters-7605-576x384.jpg 576w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column special-me is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/discover.online.purdue.edu\/news\/2024\/01\/purdues-prequalified-structures-course-emphasizes-safety.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Purdue\u2019s Prequalified Structures Course Emphasizes Safety in Theater Set Construction<\/a>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Safe theater set construction is essential to a successful performance. When sets are not constructed safely, disaster can ensue. This blog covers how people who build theater sets can use smart engineering principles to keep performers, stage crew members, and the audience safe.&nbsp;<strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/discover.online.purdue.edu\/news\/2024\/01\/purdues-prequalified-structures-course-emphasizes-safety.php\">Read More<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/releases\/2023\/Q1\/purdue-offering-online-prequalified-structures-for-the-stage-course.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Purdue offering online Prequalified Structures for the Stage course<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn more about Purdue\u2019s Prequalified Structures for the Stage online course, which covers the fundamentals of safe and effective theater set construction. Learn about the importance of safe set construction and the engineering principles that make theater builds successful.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/releases\/2023\/Q1\/purdue-offering-online-prequalified-structures-for-the-stage-course.html\">Read More<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who Should Enroll?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This flexible, self-paced program is ideal for:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Technical directors and stagehands&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Theater set designers and engineers&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entertainment production managers&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community and school theater managers&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anyone working with scenic structures in live entertainment&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet the Instructor: Technical Director and Author, Rich Dionne&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/05\/Dionne-Headshot-72-dpi-1024x684-3-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1934\" srcset=\"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/05\/Dionne-Headshot-72-dpi-1024x684-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/05\/Dionne-Headshot-72-dpi-1024x684-3-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/05\/Dionne-Headshot-72-dpi-1024x684-3-575x384.jpg 575w, https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/05\/Dionne-Headshot-72-dpi-1024x684-3.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rich Dionne is an associate professor of practice and faculty technical director specializing in scenery automation and show control systems. Additionally, he mentors Multidisciplinary Engineering students concentrating in Theatre Engineering, and is the chair of the Department of Theatre at Purdue University. He has a passion for both the art of theatre and the science and engineering of making theatre happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rich has served as the technical director for numerous productions in the Department of Theatre; prior to coming to Purdue, Rich was the production manager and resident sound designer at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, where he mounted numerous productions at various indoor and outdoor venues, including a nationally-recognized educational touring company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, he has served as the technical director for Berkshire Theatre Festival, Alpine Theatre Project, Weston Playhouse Theatre Company, and Dorset Theatre Festival, mounting critically-acclaimed productions including The Whipping Man, Barefoot in the Park, Amadeus, Night of the Iguana, Avenue Q, The Illusion, and Death of a Salesman.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rich is the co-director of Purdue\u2019s Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering. The Fusion Studio connects industry leaders with scholars and practitioners, provides space for development and exploration, and inspires pedagogical innovation at the nexus of engineering and live entertainment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rich is the author of Project Planning for the Stage: Tools and Techniques for Managing Extraordinary Performances (available from Southern Illinois University Press) and is co-author with Michael Gillette of the ninth edition of Theatrical Design and Production (available from McGraw-Hill). He was the Commissioner of Technical Production of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology from 2019 to 2023 and an ETCP-Certified Theatre Rigger (#2928).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3687","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3687","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3687"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3687\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3721,"href":"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3687\/revisions\/3721"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/centers.purdue.edu\/fusion-studio\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}