The College of Humanities and Fine Arts (HFA) recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony dedicating the David Korins Design Studio on the fourth floor of the Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts. 

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The renamed studio, home to the Department of Theater and a hub for interdisciplinary creative work, honors David Korins ’99, an award-winning creative director and UMass Amherst alumnus whose work spans theater, television, museums and live experiences. Students, faculty, college leadership and members of the creative community joined Korins at Room 410 on May 6 to celebrate the newly named space and his longstanding connection to the university. 

“David Korins is a remarkable example of what a UMass education in the arts can produce,” said Maria del Guadalupe Davidson, HFA dean. “This studio bears his name not only to honor his extraordinary achievements, but to inspire the next generation of designers and storytellers who will work within these walls. His commitment to craft, collaboration and bold creative vision is exactly the spirit we want to cultivate here.”

Korins began his theatrical career at UMass and discovered a talent for scenic design when he enrolled in Theater 100. He studied under faculty mentors Miguel Romero, professor emeritus of scenic design, and Penny Remsen, professor emerita of lighting design, among others, and completed internships with the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Last year, he returned to the UMass campus to deliver the keynote address at the university’s 155^th Undergraduate Commencement ceremony.

Amy Altadonna, chair of the Department of Theater and senior lecturer in sound design and technology, welcomed the dedication as a meaningful investment in the college’s creative community. 

“Having David’s name on this studio sends a powerful message to our students — that the work they do here matters and that this place produces artists who go on to change the world,” Altadonna said. “It's an honor to have him return to celebrate with us.”

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The studio dedication was made possible through support from Korins and the Bailey family, including Laura Bailey ’03 and her parents, Doug and Sara Bailey. Laura Bailey, a script supervisor for independent films, has credited her UMass theater education as the foundation of her career.

Through the Korins Studio, which he founded and leads, Korins’ extensive body of work spanning stage, screen, museums, hospitality venues, exhibitions and live events. He has designed more than 25 Broadway shows, including the Tony Award-winning musicals “Hamilton,” “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Beetlejuice: The Musical.” 

Among television credits, Korins served as production designer for the 91^st and 94^th Annual Academy Awards, and “Grease: Live!” for which he received an Emmy Award.

He also served as the global creative director and designer of “Van Gogh Exhibit: The Immersive Experience” and “Immersive Disney Animation.” He created “Stories,” a permanent walk-through experience at the World of Coca-Cola celebrating the brand’s 139-year history.

In addition, Korins has collaborated with artists including Bruno Mars, Andrea Bocelli and Lady Gaga. He has designed restaurants, the Drama Bookshop, and creative experiences at Bonnaroo and Outside Lands music festivals. He previously held residencies with TED Conferences and Twitter and is currently designing an arts center in Millbrook, New York, and directing David Blaine’s live show.