Fuchs, Theodore
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 7 Collections and/or Records:
Theodore Fuchs papers
Contains holographs, typescripts, drawings, and printed materials. Includes correspondence, manuscripts of published and unpublished studies of stage lighting, records of completed stage lighting projects, engineering drawings, teaching materials, theater workshop records, and various personal materials. Dates from between 1921 and 1978.
Theodore Fuchs papers on Northwestern University, 1927-1967
Contains materials related to Fuchs' teaching career at Northwestern University. Includes student papers, course work, personal materials, and university-related materials. Materials dated 1927-1967.
Theodore Fuchs papers on productions, 1931-1959
Contains the programs and other materials from productions that Fuchs designed, worked with, or was associated with. Materials dated 1931-1959.
Theodore Fuchs papers on professional organizations, 1950-1974
Contains materials related to the professional organizations Fuchs was involved with. Also includes Fuchs' proposed revisions and drawings for the Illuminating Engineering Society (I.E.S.) Handbook in 1955 and again in 1965. Materials dated 1950-1974.
Theodore Fuchs papers on the Northwestern Theatre Workshop, approximately 1950-1960
Contains materials related to Fuchs' time as the director of the Northwestern Theatre Workshop. Includes newspaper clippings, awards, and various forms, manuals, and financial papers. Materials dated approximately 1950-1960.
Theodore Fuchs personal papers, approximately 1925-1980
Contains Fuchs' various personal materials, including resumes, memorabilia, awards, programs, and a diary. Materials dated approximately 1925-1980.
Theodore Fuchs reference materials, 1929-1963
Contains materials used by Fuchs for reference and research in his field of stage and theatre lighting. Includes materials related to lighting, color as it relates to lighting), film and photography, general stage and theater, designers and actors, and general engineering and architecture. Materials dated 1929-1963.
Filtered By
- Subject: Theaters -- Lighting X
Additional filters:
- Type
- Archival Object 6
- Collection 1
- Subject
- Awards 2
- Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.) 1
- College students' writings 1
- Diaries 1
- Drafts (Documents) 1