Department News

Stage Design and Technology Faculty member becomes Department Chair

We are very excited to announce the appointment of Professor Richard Olmsted, as Chair of the Theatre and Dance Department at California State University, East Bay. 

Professor Olmsted started his new position in the Fall Semester for the 2023.

For over 18 years, Professor Olmsted has served as our premiere sound, lights and technical instructor for our department. In addition to teaching lights, sound and tech classes, Professor Olmsted is also our Video Advisor. 

Professor Olmsted has designed scenery and/or lighting for over 150 theatre and dance events for CSU East Bay,  California Shakespeare Theatre, Marin Theatre Co, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, San Jose Rep, ODC/SF, Joe Goode Performance Group, and Magic Theatre. He has collaborated with many well known directors, writers and choreographers including Barbara Oliver, Joy Carlin, Tom Ross, Octavio Solis, Michael Butler, Albert Takazaukas, Danny Scheie, Lee Sankowich, and Tazewell Thompson.

Professor Olmsted is a proud member of United Scenic Artists, local 829. Prior to coming to CSUEB, he taught scenic design at the University of California, Berkeley, at Mills College, and technical theatre production at Las Positas College and Holy Names University.