1. Coe
  2. Academics
  3. Majors & Areas of Study
  4. Theatre Arts
  5. Faculty

Faculty

Meet the Faculty

Susan Wolverton Susan Wolverton

Professor of Theatre Arts, Chair 
Scene and Costume Designer 

B.A., Carleton College
M.F.A., University of Iowa

Email: swolvert@coe.edu

In addition to designing sets and costumes for main stage productions and teaching courses in Design for the Stage, Costume and Set Design, Stage Make - Up and the History of Dress, Professor Wolverton serves as faculty advisor for Coe's Environmental Club, sits on the Sustainability Council and teaches a First-Year Seminar on Food Justice.

Dennis Barnett

Dennis Barnett

Professor of Theatre Arts

B.A., Indiana University 
M.F.A., Florida State University 
Ph.D., University of Washington

Email: dbarnett@coe.edu

With an interest in works in translation, Professor Barnett has edited two collections of essays about theatre in Eastern Europe including one devoted to DAH Theatre in Belgrade, Serbia. He leads May Term in Serbia giving students an opportunity to train with the group of artist-activists.  In addition to teaching courses in acting, directing, and theatre history, he also finds time on occasion to keep up his acting chops in local theatre productions.

Emily GanfieldEmily Ganfield

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theatre, Costume Designer & Costume Shop Manager 

B.A., Coe College
M.F.A., Purdue University

Email: eganfield@coe.edu

Emily is a theatre artist focusing in all things costume. She is also interested in directing, dramaturgy, and sociology of dress. In addition to her work at Coe, she is a freelance designer with several companies in central Iowa. 

Ben SchmidtBen Schmidt

Technical Director & Lighting Designer
Instructor in Theatre Arts

B.A., University of Iowa

Email: bschmidt@coe.edu

Technical director, light and set designer and mentor to Coe students interested in design and technical theatre, Ben is also a professional singer/songwriter and has his own recording studio.