Naoko Skala

Naoko Skala is a scenic designer, scenic artist, props artisan, and educator raised in Japan. She joined The College of Wooster in Fall 2020.

Previously Naoko worked as an Assistant Professor of Practice in Scenic and Properties Design and Technology at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. She has taught courses such as Scenic Design, Drafting and Model Building for Theatre, Stagecraft, Asian Theatre, Independent Study of Digital Media for Theatre, Scene Painting, Props Design, Scenography for International Plays, and Production Workshop.

Formerly, Naoko worked as a properties coordinator at Arizona Opera. As a faculty associate, she also taught a Scene Painting class at Arizona State University. She worked as a freelance scene designer/ scenic artist/ props artisan in Mankato, MN, Hilton Head, SC, and Phoenix, AZ.

Her areas of interest are scenic design, scene painting, props, 3D printing, Virtual Reality (VR), Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD), graphic design, motion graphics, painting, sculpture, Japanese literature, and traditional Japanese architecture.

• FYSM-10100 – Visualizing Human Emotions
• THTD-10200 – Foundations of Theatrical Design
• THTD-20000 – Stagecraft and Scenic Art
• THTD-29906 – Asian Theatre: From South to East
• THTD-30201 – Topics Visual: Scenic & Properties Design
• THTD-31000 – Digital Media Design for Performing Arts
• THTD-39909 – Puppetry & Mask Design

Book Manuscript

• Skala, Naoko I. (Contracted, Forthcoming 2026) “Japanese Traditional Theatre Architecture: Exploring Theatres with Virtual 3D Technology.” New York, NY: Routledge

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• Skala, Naoko I. (Accepted, Forthcoming 2024) “Kabuki Theatre in Japanese Rural Area and Community.” Theatre Design & Technology (TD&T) New York, NY: United States Institute for Theatre Technology.
• Skala, Naoko I. “Introducing Joruri Puppetry.” Theatre Design & Technology, Winter, 2023, pp. 6-17.
• Skala, Naoko I. “Experiencing the Japanese Nohgaku Theatre.” Theatre Design & Technology, Winter, 2022, pp. 20–27.

Book Reviews

• Skala, Naoko I. (Accepted, Forthcoming 2024) “Book Review: Scene Shift: U.S. Set Designers in Conversation.” Theatre Design & Technology (TD&T) New York, NY: United States Institute for Theatre Technology.
• Skala, Naoko I. “Book Review: Digital Media, Projection Design & Technology for Theatre.” Theatre Design & Technology, Winter, 2023, pp. 48.
• Skala, Naoko I. “Book Review: Stagecraft Fundamentals.” Theatre Design & Technology, Winter, 2022, pp. 35.

• Outstanding Article for “Introducing Joruri Puppetry” (Winter 2023); Published in TD&T, USITT Herbert D. Greggs Merit Award (2024)
• Outstanding Article for “Experience the Japanese Nohgaku Theatre” (Winter 2022); Published in TD&T, USITT Herbert D. Greggs Merit Award (2023)
• Special Recognition, The Toy Wilson Blethen Fine Arts Award; Minnesota State University, Mankato (2013)
• KCACTF Certificates of Commendation for Scene Design for The Imaginary Invalid; KCACTF Region V (2013)
• Outstanding Achievement in Prodcution Award for Poster Design for Spring Awakening; Minnesota State University, Mankato (2013)
• KCACTF Certificates of Commendation for Scene Design for Altar Boyz; KCACTF Region V (2012)
• Outstanding Achievement in Production Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theatre Production; Minnesota State University, Mankato (2011-12)
• Outstanding Achievement in Production Award for Scene Design for A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking; Minnesota State University, Mankato (2011)
• Homecoming Scholarship; Emporia State University (2009)
• Karl and Margaret Bruder Scholarship; Emporia State University (2008)