Kara Thomson is faculty head of the Design and Technical Theatre program she created in the MCC Department of Theatre and Film Arts. In 2002, she brought to MCC nearly a decade of art direction, scene design, production, and consulting experience from Hollywood, major theaters across the nation, television, and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre. Kara has designed for many theater companies including Arizona Broadway Theatre, Actors Theatre, The Bridge Initiative, The Nebraska Repertory Theatre, The Illinois Shakespeare Festival, University of Nebraska, 24th Street Theatre of Los Angeles, and Arizona State University. She is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences as well as the Art Directors Guild International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Her TV art direction includes over 4,000-aired hours for ABC, NBC, CBS, and a Dolly Parton special.

Kara’s many theatrical awards and recognitions include an Emmy honor for her work on “Days of Our Lives” and Emmy nominations for her work on “General Hospital.” Her expertise ranges from the theories of dramatic theatre through writing for the stage to the real-world evolving technical aspects of theatrical productions. Kara’s students say she is inspiring, inclusive and, most of all, devotes the time to individually reinforce their talents and instill self-confidence. Maintaining her local and national industry connections, she is always willing to help her current and former students to find successful paths in their professions.