Rate My Professor Jim Lile

At FSU, Lile teaches Technical Design, Scenery Automation, and Production Management, with research interests in Technical Direction and Production Planning. He has earned the Distinguished Achievement in Technical Direction from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival National Committee (2023), United States Prague Quadrennial from the United States Institute for Theatre Technology ($100,000 grant, 2023), and Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region IV Golden Medallion (2019). His publications include the invited article “Crystal Star Drop: Create a Starry Night Illusion Inexpensive in Your Shop” (Southern Theatre Magazine, 2018), “Making Rare Magic” (Theatre Design and Technology, in press), and book chapters “Production Staff” (Des Moines Metro Opera: A 35-Year Retrospective, 2007) and “Technical Solutions for Low-Ceiling Theaters” / “A Flying Rig for Low-Ceiling Theaters” (Technical Design Solutions for the Theatre, 2002). Lile has delivered numerous presentations at USITT Annual Conferences, Southeastern Theatre Conference, and Kennedy Center festivals on production planning, automation, CNC applications, and opera production. As program co-director, he oversees graduate training in welding, hydraulics, electronics, and leadership roles in productions, and leads international scenic exhibits such as at the Prague Quadrennial (2023). He continues freelance work as Technical Director, Production Manager, and consultant for regional opera companies.