Michael Skinner
The first time Michael Skinner stepped into the theatre, he said it felt like home. After 31 years in TCU’s Department of Theatre, he is retiring and reflecting on his dynamic career in the College of Fine Arts.
“What kept me here at TCU was my students and my colleagues,” explained Skinner. “I love teaching our students; they work so hard to create an art form shared by the artist and the audience — a living work of art that entertains, educates and embraces the human experience.”
“His work as the resident lighting designer has always added beauty to the overall storytelling and visual spectacle of our productions,” said Department Chair Jennifer Engler. “It has been a pleasure collaborating with Michael over the years, as he brings a calm mixed with excitement into every endeavor he is a part of. There is no doubt that he will be missed by students, faculty and staff as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.”
Finding a Home in Theatre
When Skinner was in high school and began college, he aspired to be an actor. However, after his first year, he left school and worked various jobs, from the oil fields during Oklahoma’s oil boom to cabinet making and carpentry.
Skinner at the lighting console
In 1987, Skinner returned to college intending to work in radio or television. One of the first classes he took was in lighting for the stage and screen. An assignment to join the lighting crew for a theatre production sparked his decision to pursue a career in theatre.
“I stepped into the theatre, and it just felt like I was home,” said Skinner. “I did not feel that I was passionate enough about acting to continue with that, but I felt that I had a set of skills that would work well in designing scenery and lighting for the stage. My years of experience in construction had also given me an extensive knowledge of building techniques and hardware.”
Becoming a Lighting Designer
Skinner graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma and knew he wanted to teach but first took a summer job at the musical drama “TEXAS.” He sent out a few applications and completed two interviews.
“I was offered two teaching positions, one at TCU as the technical director and lighting designer, and one at another university as the technical director,” said Skinner. “The person who offered me the job here was Forrest Newlin, the chair of the department at the time, and he had been one of my mentors at OU in scenic design.”
Skinner served as lighting designer for Theatre TCU’s production of “The Skin of Our Teeth.”
Skinner spoke with Newlin about his vision for TCU and decided to join the department of theatre in 1993.
Interestingly, the other job offer came from someone who had been Newlin’s best friend growing up. With his parents living in Amarillo and his father terminally ill, staying close to home was a priority.
“I think that God helped me so that I could be close to my dad before he passed,” Skinner shared.
At that time, the theatre department had fewer than 40 students, and Newlin’s goal was to rebuild it with an emphasis on classical acting and strong design.
“Now, our department has over 150 students, is one of the top musical theatre programs in the country and is known for its excellence in design,” said Skinner.
Career in the Department of Theatre
“When you teach a subject that you love to students who are equally passionate, I think you both learn more,” said Skinner. “My students make me want to be a better teacher, be more in depth with my research and lead by example so they can also become leaders in their field.”
Under Skinner’s expert guidance, students in design and technology within the department have excelled in various industry roles, becoming award-winning professional designers and teachers.
“He always brings his professional expertise to the classroom and his mentoring of students has transformed many lives,” said Engler. “His students feel supported, challenged and capable of entering the industry upon graduation.”
His teaching style adapts to each class based on the subject matter, always emphasizing an in-depth approach to stage lighting that students can carry into their future careers.
Skinner with an award from the Tarrant County Live Theatre League.
“If students are better trained in the artistic side of lighting, I may teach the class to give them more hands-on experience with the craft, focusing on the technical equipment and its use,” said Skinner. “Conversely, if they have strong technical skills but lack an artistic approach, I’ll focus on how light can be used to enhance the storytelling of the performance in an artistic visual way.”
Skinner serves as a mentor to all lighting design students, inviting them to sit with him in the theatre while he lights a show. He teaches them the how, why, when and where of the lighting cues, explaining his placement methodology in specific moments.
“In the classroom, it’s all based on theory, not a live performance unfolding in front of them,” explained Skinner. “When they assist me on a show, I can explain the reasoning behind my choices based on research and artistry, helping them understand the thought process behind the choices we make as lighting designers.”
We would like to wish Skinner the best of luck in his new adventures!