Naoko Skala
Associate Professor of Theatre and Dance; Chair of East and South Asian Studies
Biography
Naoko Skala is a scenic designer, scenic artist, props artisan, and educator who was raised in Japan. She is an Associate Professor at The College of Wooster in Ohio. Her recent professional credits as a scenic designer are The Heart Sellers(2026), Something Clean (2024) at Dobama Theatre, and Patience (2025) at Ohio Light Opera.
Her two articles, "Introducing Joruri Puppetry" (Winter 2023) and "Experiencing the Japanese Nohgaku Theatre" (Winter 2022), published in Theatre Design and Technology (TD&T), received a USITT Herbert D. Greggs Merit Award of Outstanding Article.
Naoko received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Scene Design from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She also received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre from Emporia State University, Kansas, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese Literature from Sagami Women's University in Japan.
Her research focuses on Japanese traditional theatre architecture using virtual 3D technology, and on the preservation of Japanese traditional theatre and practitioners, especially in rural areas.
Courses Taught
- THTD-10200 – Foundations of Theatrical Design
- THTD-20000 – Stagecraft and Scenic Art
- THTD 21000 – Drawing and Rendering for Performing Arts
- THTD-29906 – Asian Theatre: From South to East
- THTD-30201 – Scenic & Properties Design
- THTD-31000 – Art of Motion Picture and Sound Editing for Performing Arts
- THTD-39909 – Puppetry & Mask Design
Selected Publications & Presentations
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. "Immersive Kabuki." Theatre Design & Technology (TD&T) New York, NY: United States Institute for Theatre Technology, 2024, Vol. 60 Issue 4, p24-33. 10p.
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. "Book Review: Scene Shift: U.S. Set Designers in Conversation." Theatre Design & Technology (TD&T) New York, NY: United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Fall 2024, Vol. 60 Issue 3, p47-49. 2p.
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.
Awards & Honors
- 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)
Want to learn more?
Interested in Theatre and Dance, East Asian Studies or have questions about courses? Feel free to reach out!
Contact Naoko