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Fuchs, Theodore

 Person

Biographical History

Theodore Fuchs was a theatrical lighting designer, engineer and consultant, as well as a professor of theater at Northwestern University.

Born in 1904, Theodore Fuchs graduated from high school at age 15, and graduated from college with degrees in both chemical and electrical engineering by age 19. After graduating, Fuchs joined the staff at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he worked as a professor of theater. He collaborated with other professors on on experiments with engineering and the aesthetics of lighting that developed the technology, system, and vocabulary of the stage.

In 1929, Fuchs published "Stage Lighting," one of the earliest theatrical lighting texts. In 1970, 42 years after taking the position at Northwestern University, Fuchs retired. At the Kansas City Conference in 1980, he was presented with the USITT award for his contributions to the theatre.

Fuchs passed away some time later.

Citation:
Northern State University, via WWW, 11 November 2015 (Theodore Fuchs published a book, "Stage Lighting," in 1929)

"The Cambridge History of American Theatre," via WWW, 11 November 2015 (Theodore Fuchs taught at Northwestern University; collaborated on experiments with engineering and the aesthetics of lighting that led to the shrinking of the size of the switchboard and the establishment of a system and vocabulary for the stage)

University of Campinas, via WWW, 11 November 2015 (Theodore Fuchs, an author, teacher, and theatre consultant, graduated from high school at the age of 15; earned a bachelor's degree in both Chemical and Electrical Engineering by the time he was 19; lighting design student of Stanley McCandless; joined the staff of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois; Retired after 42 years at the end of 1970 academic year; published on eof the earliest theatrical lighting texts; was presented the USITT Award for his contributions at the 1980 Kansas City Conference)

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Theodore Fuchs papers on lighting design, 1928-1937

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 125 Series 6
Scope and Contents

Contains notes on stage productions with lighting designed by Theodore Fuchs, including "The Light of Asia" and "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch." Also includes two lightbulbs used in stage productions. Materials dated 1928-1937.

Dates: 1928-1937

Theodore Fuchs papers on theater engineering and consulting, 1934-1977

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 125 Series 3
Scope and Contents

Contains materials related to Fuchs' professional work in theatre and stage lighting. Includes meeting notes, booklets, contracts, bids, recommendations, drawings of details, and correspondence. Materials dated 1934-1977.

Dates: 1934-1977

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Artifacts 1
Contracts 1
Drawings 1
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