Joshua Williamson

Professor of Lighting Design and Technology

School of Theatre and Dance

(304) 293-7581 Joshua.Williamson@mail.wvu.edu 3045 Canady Creative Arts Center

MFA – University of Wisconsin–Madison
BFA – Ithaca College
IATSE Local #578
ETCP Entertainment Electrician

Professor Williamson is on sabbatical until August 2027.

Prof. Williamson served as the Director of the School of Theatre & Dance from 2007-2026 before returning to faculty as a Professor of Lighting Design and Technology. He has extensive professional credits as a freelance lighting designer, including designs for Arkansas Repertory Theatre, The Public Theatre in Lewiston, Maine, The Theatre at Monmouth, West Virginia Public Theatre, and the West Virginia Dance Company. Recent designs include Steel Magnolias and And Then There Were None for Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.

Williamson's special event lighting designs include all WVU basketball home games, the annual WVU Children’s Hospital Gala Fundraiser, and the Gateway Streetscape Lighting Project on the west end in Charleston.

Williamson’s current research involves studying the dynamics of entertainment power systems as the industry transitions to non-tungsten lighting sources. Professor Williamson also leads WVU’s participation in ETC’s Beta Test Program for Gio/Ion/Element control systems. He is a member of USITT’s Lighting Commission and has previously served as the Vice-Commissioner for Light Lab for six years. He is also a journeyman member of IATSE Local 578 and the chairperson of the Arts & Culture Commission for the City of Morgantown, WV. Williamson is an active member of the National Association of School of Theatre (NAST) serving on the Commission on Accreditation from 2021-2027.