Dr. David Kersnar

Biography

David Kersnar is a founding ensemble member of the Tony Award-winning Lookingglass Theatre Company, where he has performed, designed, written, instructed, produced, and directed since its inception in 1988. He served twice as the Artistic Director and as the Founder and Director of Lookingglass Education. Kersnar co-wrote and directed the smash-hit adaptation of 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.' His extensive experience includes work with prominent theaters such as Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, among others. His directing and writing credits feature works like 'Sita Ram,' 'La Luna Muda,' and 'Goodnight Moon,' among others. In addition to traditional theater, Kersnar co-founded Shaking Tree Interactive Productions, focusing on filmed live business case studies. His film and television credits include 'U.S. Marshals' and 'Early Edition.' Kersnar holds a Master of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University and previously served as Head of Theatre and Dance at Oklahoma State University before joining Penn State's School of Theatre as a Professor of Practice. He is currently developing a staged concert version of a new social justice opera, 'Rainbow Beach.'