Steven L. Barker

About the Artist

Steven Barker has been a theatre-maker and educator for the last 25+ years. He holds an MFA in Theatre for Youth from Arizona State University (ASU), and a BFA in Theatre Education and a BS in Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Steven is the creator/author of TechStart: Basic Stage Lighting, a workshop series that helps students and teachers learn the mysteries and secrets of stage lighting. Starting with the basics of stage lighting systems, this residency takes the participants through all the skills and knowledge to identify and select instruments, read light plots and paperwork, hang and focus instruments, and create looks and cues. Safety and professional standards are emphasized. This workshop also helps teachers and schools identify what they have in their school auditoriums and how to maximize and upgrade what they have for classroom and production. Steven is a licensed teacher in the State of Maryland, certified in Theatre, English, Speech, and Chemistry. He has also held additional licensure and certifications in Media Arts and Broadcast Journalism from the Department of Defense School System and the Commonwealth of Virginia. He has completed the MSDE Credentials for Creative Classrooms and the courses for Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Creative Aging. He is a proud member of the alpha cohort of the Anit-Racist Arts Education Learning Lab (A-REALL). Steven is currently the Technical Director of Prince George’s Community College. Steven was formerly the Executive Director of the State Theatre in Culpeper and the Managing Director of Story Tapestries. Mr. Barker was formerly the lecturer for theatre design and technology at McDaniel College as well as an adjunct professor of Communication Studies & Theatre for Northern Virginia Community College. He currently is an adjunct professor for Stagecraft at Bowie State University. He is also a proud board member of the Maryland Theatre Education Association.