Theatre Professor Named United States Institute for Theatre Technology Fellow

February 6, 2024 | News, UToday, Alumni, Arts and Letters
By Nicki Gorny



The United States Institute for Theatre Technology is honoring Holly Monsos, chair of the Department of Theatre and Film at The University of Toledo, as one its 2024 Fellows.

The institute is a membership organization that promotes dialogue, research and learning among practitioners of theater design and technology. Fellows are recognized as leaders in their craft and an indispensable resource in continuing the work of the institute.

Headshot of Holly Monsos, chair of the Department of Theatre and Film

Monsos

Monsos, who has taught theater and costume design at UToledo since 1991, has a resume that includes professional experience as a cutter and draper with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Actors Theatre of Louisville and the San Francisco Opera. Since moving to Toledo, she has designed locally for the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Opera and Toledo Repertoire Theatre.

She has served as chair of the theater department since 2020 and previously led the department from 2005 to 2011.

Monsos is active regionally and nationally in the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, which is honoring her as one of three 2024 Fellows. Another is her brother, Mike Monsos, a professor of scenic design/technology in theater and dance at the University of Montana.

“My first USITT conference in 1986 in Oakland also led directly to my first professional job as a stitcher with San Francisco Opera. USITT has brought me a wealth of experiences, opportunities, training and friendships ever since, both nationally and in my regional chapter, Ohio Valley,” Monsos said. “I am so honored to have been elected to the Fellows— and to have that happen in the same year as my long-suffering ‘little’ brother makes it even more amazing. I am both surprised and grateful, and looking forward to continuing to contribute to the institute through this new role.”

Fellows will be honored on Thursday, March 21, as part of the USITT24 Conference and Stage Expo in Seattle.