Director

THE DIRECTOR

Dennis Catrell

Dennis Catrell is Professor Emeritus of Theatre Arts, retired in 1999 after 38 years of working in university theatre, with more than three decades at Western Washington University. A native of Flint, Michigan, Dennis took degrees in English and German at the University of Michigan, and MA in Theatre and Speech at Northern Illinois University, followed by ten years of technical and design work.

In 1971, he co-founded WWU's Summer Stock program, which is now in its 30th year. He was the sole designer for the first two seasons, but also directed six of the nineteen productions. He turned more and more to directing, and became the Producing Director of Summer Stock from 1976 to 1986.

In 1976 Dennis became the first Chairman of Western's Theatre Arts Department, and continued for 12 years. After leaving the Chair, Dennis focused on working with graduate students. He was Director of Graduate Studies for a number of years, serving on many graduate and internship committees. During his academic career, he worked as director, designer, performer or producer on hundreds of productions of all kinds. One particular joy was the opportunity to direct a Shakespearean play every year for over twenty years. Musicals such as South Pacific, Grease, The Music Man and Guys And Dolls stand out as challenging but joyful experiences.

In the year of his retirement he was recognized with awards from the Bellingham Arts Commission and The Northwest Drama Conference. Since retiring, Dennis has directed A Perfect Ganesh, at WWU and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at the Bellingham Theatre Guild.

work.