I’m Prudence Jones, a passionate theatre artist, designer, technical director, and educator with over 30 years of experience in the performing arts. I hold a BA from Cedar Crest College (CCC) in Allentown, PA—the same alma mater as the incredible Rita Kogler Carver—and an MFA from CalArts (California Institute of the Arts). For the past 14 years, I’ve been proud to serve as the Director of Theatre and an Associate Professor at Tarleton State University in Texas.

Throughout my career, I’ve explored many facets of theatre, but my greatest passions lie in technical direction, lighting design, and scenic design. While I have also worked as an actor and director, my true expertise is in stagecraft—bringing productions to life through scenic, lighting, and technical design.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats in the industry, serving as a lighting and set designer, stage manager, production manager, and technical director for theatres across the country. From the elegant simplicity of lighting design at the New London Barn Theater to the intricate technical challenges of large-scale productions like RedCat’s King Lear and Richard Foreman’s Bad Boy Nietzsche, I thrive in the creative

and technical artistry that makes theatre truly magical.

My collaboration with Rita Kogler Carver began through our mutual friend E.A. Kafkalas (also a CCC alum) during a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I worked as the Scenic Designer and Technical Director, while Rita handled Lighting Design. That first production was just the beginning of a lasting professional relationship and a cherished friendship—one that I’m incredibly grateful for.

I have been using Rita’s fantastic book, Stagecraft Fundamentals, in my classes since its very first edition. A few years ago, she asked me to review the chapters on scene safety and scenery, and I was more than happy to contribute. Now, I am deeply honored to be invited to work with her on the book’s continued development, sharing my experiences

 and insights in theatre design and technical direction.

I’m truly thankful to Rita for bringing me into this project, and I look forward to sharing my passion for theatre, design, and craftsmanship with even more artists and students. I invite you to explore, connect, and join me on this artistic journey as we celebrate the magic of theatre—both onstage and behind the curtain!