Technical Director: Doug Magnussen
Many faces will appear in front of the curtain at the Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, but the show would not go on without technical director Doug Magnussen, the man behind the curtain, sets, rigging, lighting and sound.
“My primary responsibilities are in the Hett itself,” said Magnussen. “I am in charge of the technical side of the theater. I am responsible for the operation, maintenance, and training for events in the theater and for audio and lighting equipment that is used elsewhere in the facility.
I am also the designer for the lighting and scenic needs of the theater department productions.”
Magnussen, who was appointed last July, first became involved in McKendree’s theatrical performances six years ago, on a part-time basis. His expertise was contracted for set design and production of McKendree plays in Eisenmayer Auditorium. The creative partnership of both
Doug and wife, McKendree assistant professor of theater Michelle Magnussen, has led to a wide range of Eisenmayer set transformations, including exploding space craft and ornate homes.
Rear projection, audio and video, and television switchers were employed to create sets for “Defying Gravity” last spring. “I liked the challenge of ‘Defying Gravity.’ It was very technically demanding,” said Magnussen. “My favorite set that I’ve built at McKendree was for ‘Antigone.’ I was really inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ to create a decadent and
clean art deco look,” he said. “That set really worked for me… Opulent, clean and beautiful lines, but very cold.”
Magnussen first studied theater at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis. He completed a bachelor’s in theater and speech and went on to graduate school at the University of Louisville (Ky.). As a student in Louisville, Magnussen had the opportunity to work professionally with Creation
Theatre Group. Magnussen later co-founded Actor’s Rennaissance Theater in St. Louis with Michelle Magnussen, Nick Kessler and Lori Kessler—schoolmates from Louisville.
Most recently, Magnussen worked with Associated Theatrical Contractors (ATC). As vice president, he was hired as a contractor to advise and rent equipment to help small groups create theater in spaces not traditionally equipped for performances. He especially
enjoyed assignments working with small schools. “It was fun helping them create [production] ideas that used choices in their financial range so in the end they felt they really had something,” said Magnussen.
Although Magnussen is more likely to be seen covered in grease than grease paint, he also enjoys being on stage. He has had the opportunity to perform in several McKendree productions, playing double-duty as technical director and “criminals or kings.” Magnussen said, “I don’t need to act, but I love it. It’s fun. I love working with students.”
“I am excited about having the opportunity to work in a new state-of-the-art facility, to work closely with the McKendree music department and touring groups, as well as continuing to help the college’s new theater department grow,” said Magnussen. He is currently consulting with David Boggs, McKendree’s director of bands, to create a “Blast-style” stage show. Applying his
experience with ATC, Magnussen is working with Boggs’ vision and budget to ensure the production is exciting both musically and visually. “It’s going to be so different from a standard concert; there are colored lights, sets and the musicians won’t stand still,” said Magnussen.
Magnussen appreciates the Hett’s potential. He said, “I’m inspired by the thought of being able to build big and make beautiful things on this stage, especially because we’re now able to create high-level technical theater here at McKendree.”