UMass Amherst Dedicates David Korins Design Studio in Honor of Acclaimed Alumnus and Creative Director

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The College of Humanities & Fine Arts (HFA) dedicated the David Korins Design Studio on Wednesday, May 6, at a ribbon cutting ceremony held on the fourth floor of the Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts. The named studio honors David Korins '99, an acclaimed creative director and UMass alum whose work has shaped the landscape of theater, museums, television, and live events for decades.

Korins was present at the ceremony, which brought together students, faculty, college leadership, and members of the creative community to celebrate the named space and Korins' enduring connection to UMass Amherst.

"David Korins is a remarkable example of what a UMass education in the arts can produce," said HFA dean Maria del Guadalupe Davidson. "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."

David began his theatrical career at UMass when he enrolled in Theater 100 as an undergraduate. Quickly, he discovered a talent for scenic design, nurtured by faculty mentors including Professor Emeritus of Scenic Design Miguel Romero and Professor Emerita of Lighting Design Penny Remsen as well as through internships at Williamstown Theater Festival. 

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," said Altadonna. "It's an honor to have him return to celebrate with us."

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

With the eponymous David Korins Studio he founded and leads, Korins’ extensive body of work spans various mediums – from stage to screen, museums to hospitality venues and exhibitions to live events. He has created the worlds for more than 25 Broadway shows, including the Tony Award-winning musicals “Hamilton,” “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Beetlejuice: The Musical.” Among numerous TV credits, Korins was the production designer for the 91st and 94th Annual Academy Awards, and “Grease: Live!,” for which he received an Emmy Award.

He was the creative director and designer of “The Hamilton Exhibition,” a 30,000-square-foot immersive experience chronicling Alexander Hamilton’s life. He also served as the global creative director and designer of “Van Gogh Exhibit: The Immersive Experience” and “Immersive Disney Animation,” along with creating “Stories,” a permanent walk-through experience at the World of Coca-Cola celebrating the brand’s 139-year history.

Additionally, Korins collaborated with artists like Bruno Mars, Andrea Bocelli and Lady Gaga, designed several restaurants and the Drama Bookshop, and was lead creative at Bonnaroo and Outside Lands music festivals. He had residences with TED Conferences and Twitter, is designing an arts center in Millbrook, N.Y., and is the director of David Blaine’s live show.

The David Korins Design Studio is located in room 410 of the Bromery Center for the Arts, home to HFA's Department of Theater and a hub for interdisciplinary creative work across the college.