Southern Oregon University Theatre alum Remus Moore returned to campus this spring to share a unique career path that has taken them from the production shops and stages of SOU to one of the premier collections of theatrical design in the nation.
Originally from Corvallis, Oregon, Moore moved to Ashland in 2012 to attend SOU. They graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies and minors in Music and Shakespeare Studies before pursuing a master’s degree in Museum Studies at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Moore, currently serves as the Tobin Theatre Arts Fund Assistant Curator for the Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas. During their visit, Moore met with costume students and members of SOU’s USITT club, offering insight into careers in theatre design, museum curation, and the preservation of theatrical history.
Having been a student of costume and design, Moore cited the importance of learning about past masters, and evolution of design that is featured in the Tobin Collection.
“You can see where these sorts of design masters have come from, you can see what works for you and your style, what you like, don’t like, and then you can feel more empowered to actually take these lessons you can learn from and apply to your own work.”
Widely regarded as one of the largest and most significant theatre arts collections, it preserves the work of renowned designers while documenting the evolution of the theatrical arts from the Renaissance to the present day. The Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts houses thousands of examples of works that include original drawings, rare books, prints, sculptures, props, costumes, photographs, and stage models known as maquettes.
Today, Moore helps curate exhibitions that introduce audiences to the artistry behind theatrical productions. Their work includes exhibitions such as Houses to Homes, about architecture from large scale to home interiors, and the current exhibit A People’s History: The American Experiment on Stage that reflects through theatre as lens our nation’s 250 years. Although theatre and museum work may seem like separate disciplines, Moore sees strong connections between the two.
Like theatrical productions, exhibitions require specialists to construct environments, install lighting, display costumes, and create immersive experiences for audiences. “Both are team sports, you could say, where you have multiple departments that are all working to create a larger project.” Moore continued, “Exhibitions often transform empty galleries into fully realized spaces within weeks, only to disappear shortly after they close.”
“It can be very ephemeral like a show is, where the only things lingering afterwards are the memories and photos we have of the exhibition.”
Reflecting on their own journey, Moore credited SOU with providing the foundation for their career.
“Between the variety of classes that helped to round out my education and show me different ideas I hadn’t come across before, to the vibrant community that lived and worked at the school, it really helped to open my eyes to a far wider world than I knew of.” Moore concluded, “The Theatre program helped to provide me with tools and experiences that have continued to serve me well in the years since then. Between the practical skills of sewing and electrician work, to the more nebulous skills of project management and leadership, I don’t think I would have been as successful as I have been without my time at SOU’s Theatre program.”
For current students considering careers in theatre design, or arts administration, Moore’s return demonstrated that the skills developed in theatre can lead to opportunities far beyond the stage while still remaining deeply connected to the art form itself.
Want to visit the exhibits at The McNay Museum? Go to www.mcnayart.org for upcoming events, exhibits, virtual tour and more!
To view what is in the collection visit collection.mcnayart.org/explore
(Photo: SOU Productions Remus Moore worked on. 2017, Peter and the Starcatcher– Assistant Costume Designer. 2016, SOU Young Playwright Showcase – Costume Designer for Energy Costs, & 2014, Little Shop of Horrors – Costume crafts team.)
