Arthur Reese

Professor Arthur M. Reese received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Virginia. Reese was the first and to our knowledge, is still the only African American to earn this degree from UVA. He was the coordinator of the Communications, Media Arts and Theatre division at Chicago State University and is now a professor of technical theatre at North Carolina Central University.

Professor Reese is known throughout the United States and abroad for his technical prowess in the theater realm. He has set the mood for the past 22 years as Technical Director for the National Black Theater Festival held every two years in Winston-Salem, NC. He has designed sets and lighting for Maya Angelou, John Amos, Samuel L. Jackson, the Negro Ensemble Co. and over a thousand other productions from Broadway to Off- Broadway, television and film. Reese was also the technical director for the LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts in New York (Fame)

His dance credits include The Alvin Ailey Dance Co., Dance Theater of Harlem as well as the world premier of Eleo Pomare’s, “Horses.” Reese has done technical work for many stars including Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Pattie Labelle, Debbie Allen, Oprah, Billy Eckstine, Nancy Wilson, Queen Latifah, Malcolm Jamal Warner and Denzel Washington, to name a very few. One of the most meaningful highlights in Reese’s career came when he was presented at court to Prince Phillip of England in recognition of his outstanding work with young people. Prof. Reese won the African American Image Makers award for Best Lighting Design for 3 years in a row. Reese thanks God for the opportunity to work.