Paul Steger, Professor of Theatre and former Director of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, will leave the University of Nebraska–Lincoln this summer to become the Director of the School of Performing Arts at Virginia Tech University. He begins his new position on July 1.
“I am profoundly thankful to the wonderful administrators, donors, supporters, teachers, artists, staff and students who have made the growth and trajectory of the University of Nebraska and the Carson School possible,” Steger said. “It has been an honor to serve UNL and the Lincoln community for 20 years, all told, in a variety of capacities. I feel a tremendous sense of pride in what we’ve been able to achieve together.”
Steger stepped down as Director of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film last summer to return to the faculty. He served as Director from 2005-2016. He previously taught theatre at UNL from 1990-1998.
Under Steger’s direction, the School’s degree programs were re-accredited through the National Association of Schools of Theatre; the Temple Building was renovated to create the Studio Theatre, new scene shop and a renovated lobby area; the innovative Carson Film Series and Carson Lecture Series were both inaugurated; an aggressive guest artist program brought Hollywood professionals, such as Academy Award-winning Editor Mike Hill and Director Donald Petrie, to Lincoln to work with students; and the $2.25 million endowment for the Carson Opportunity Scholarships was established, thanks to additional donations from the John W. Carson Foundation through the University of Nebraska Foundation.
Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts Endowed Dean Charles O’Connor said Steger will be missed in Lincoln.
“I know the students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and friends of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film will join me in thanking Paul Steger for his outstanding leadership and artistic vision over the last 20 years,” he said. “It has been a pleasure to work with him as a colleague, and the Carson School is a better place because of his hard work and vision.”
Steger received his MFA in Directing from Western Illinois University and his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (Acting/Directing) from St. Louis University. He has also taught at the University of Oklahoma, Webster University’s Conservatory, the North Carolina School of the Arts and Florida State University.
He is a member of Actor’s Equity and the Screen Actor’s Guild and has extensive film, television and theatre credits in the Los Angeles area. He has also directed more than 40 productions for the educational and professional theatre including University Theatre’s “This Random World” in March. He is a Certified Teacher of Stage Combat and a member of the National Theatre Conference.
“My wife Sara, our daughter Cooper and I have been truly blessed to have had exceptional examples of what it means to be thoughtful and caring artists/leaders here in Lincoln, and we are so fortunate to have had so many steward our development. For all, our thanks,” Steger said.