Rate My Professor James Wulfsong

In his teaching and scholarly activities, Wulfsong developed an interactive iBook for THEA 150-151: Core Scene Design and Construction as part of SIUE's Open Educational Resources pilot program, supplemented by YouTube videos demonstrating tools used in scenic construction and design. He secured a $14,898 Excellence in Undergraduate Education grant in 2019 for the project 'Computer Numerical Control in the modern scenic studio,' which funded the construction and installation of a 5'x10' bed CNC machine in the theater shop. This equipment supports precision and repeatable manufacturing of scenic units from plywood, foam, aluminum, and composites across courses including introductory design and construction (THEA 150), computer drafting and rendering (340B), advanced design (350), and construction (399), with plans for new courses in advanced manufacturing techniques for scenery and props, potentially leading to CAD and CNC certification. Wulfsong has made substantial design contributions to SIUE productions, serving as lighting designer for Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods (2015), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2018, including projections), Proof (2016), and Two Gentlemen of Verona (2016, also scenic designer), as well as scenic designer for Everybody (2021) and other shows including set design for department productions directed by Kathi Bentley.