ASU theater program welcomes new lecturer in technical direction

Arizona State University's School of Music, Dance and Theatre welcomes Heather Feeney as lecturer in technical direction to the theater program.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with several recent graduates of the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre, and they continuously demonstrate outstanding work ethic, strong skills in their craft and a well-rounded training in theater,” Feeney said. “I am grateful to participate in their academic journey and be an ambassador for them while in school and beyond.” 

Feeney said she was influenced by her dad and his constant tinkering while growing up. When her best friend in high school took her to the theater to help build flats, Feeney said she jumped right in and has been building and tinkering ever since. 

“Heather Feeney brings 17 years of professional industry and creative activity experience, and 11 years of teaching experience to our program,” said Heather Landes, director of the School of Music, Dance and Theatre. “We are thrilled to have attracted her to ASU and know that she will contribute greatly to our curriculum and the development of our students.”

Technical direction, often referred to as the backbone of the theater, is an essential link between what directors and designers see in their heads and the physical expression of those visions, according to the Educational Theatre Association. 

“Technical direction is one of those wonderful all-encompassing jobs where you never stop learning and exploring new ways of solving complex problems,” Feeney said.

Feeney gained professional theater experience early in her career working with PlayMakers Repertory Company, the resident professional theater company and member of the League of Resident Theatres, while pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in theater at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was given direct access to a professional production team, which Feeney said prepared her to train students with the skills they need to be successful in professional theater. 

“My recent experience as the scenic designer and technical director of a yearlong immersive theater experience in the Valley at TheaterWorks has equipped me with the tools necessary to train our students with new and innovative methodology for theatrical success,” Feeney said.

Feeney previously held the position of technical director and educator at DeSales University. She also served as lead welder on numerous Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival productions for 10 years and worked three consecutive years for the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival.