Bobbi Owen

Michael R. McVaugh Distinguished Professor of Dramatic Art, Emerita
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Education:
BS, with distinction, University of Wisconsin-Madison 1971
MFA, University of Wisconsin-Madison 1974
 
Research interests:
Theatrical designers; history of western and non-western traditional clothing forms
 
Monographs:
Nine books and numerous articles about theatrical designers. Books include PlayMakers Repertory Company: A History (2021), The Designs of William Ivey Long (2018), Costume Design on Broadway, Designers and their Credits: 1915-1985 (1987), Scenic Design on Broadway, Designers and their Credits: 1915-1990 (1991), Lighting Design on Broadway, Designers and their Credits: 1915-1990 (1991), Broadway Design Roster (2003), The Designs of Willa Kim (2005), Design USA (with Jody Blake), the exhibit catalog for the United States entry in the 2007 Prague Quadrennial (2007), and Late & Great: American Designers 1960-2010 (2010).

Professional and Administrative Activity: Honors

My graduate training was as a theatrical designer and I have designed costumes for many productions, beginning with the Carolina Playmakers when I was appointed as an Assistant Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1974, for the PlayMakers Repertory Company when it was formed in 1977 through my retirement in summer 2021, and in theatres around the country, notably the Indiana Repertory Theatre, the American Place Theatre in New York City, the Alhambra Theatre in San Francisco, and the Charleston Stage Company. I was head of the graduate program in Costume Design and Technology for many years. I have also been involved in the life of the University, beginning as an Assistant Dean in The General College (administrative home for freshman and sophomores at UNC), as Associate Dean for Academic Services (supervising a variety of academic support programs), as Associate Dean in The College of Arts and Sciences and from 2004 to 2014, as Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education. I served many committies, including the Chancellor's Advisory Committee, Faculty Council and its' Executive Committee, the Administrative Board of the Library, and the Honorary Degrees and Awards Committee. I was also a member of the leadership team for the decennial reaffirmation of accreditation for the University (2006) and the Interim Fifth-year Review (2011). During the SACS effort, I led the development of the Quality Enhancement Plan and subsequently chaired the implementation committee for Making Critical Connections.

Last revised 10/22/2023