Richard Cowden has extensive experience in theatre directing, arts administration, and higher education. He holds an MFA in directing and a BA in music theatre. At Castleton University, he leads the fine and performing arts programs, created their low-residency MA in arts administration, and established partnerships to integrate education with the community. Cowden has also held administrative and directing roles at other universities and theatre companies.

1. RICHARD COWDEN
23 Spooner Point Castleton, Vermont 05735 802.855.3271 cowdenrichard@yahoo.com
BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
Birthplace: New York, NY
Citizenship: United States
EDUCATION
Master of Fine Arts
Ohio University School of Theatre, Athens, Ohio
Specialization: Directing
Magna Cum Laude
Bachelor of Arts
Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, Colorado
Major: Music Theatre
Cum Laude
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
• Versatile, passionate, award-winning theatre professor and director
• Veteran dean-level program builder with quantifiable success in recruitment,
retention, first-year student success, academic advising, curriculum
development, personnel management, and financial administration
• Experienced facility manager with expertise in complex multi-venue scheduling,
internal and external user relations, and technical service coordination
• Expert in developing public-private partnerships to integrate education with civic
and community engagement
• Seasoned arts presenter with excellent track record in artist relations, contracts,
and grant writing to support diverse programming
• Demonstrated excellence in first-year student courses and institutional retention
strategies
• Transformational game-changer with exemplary communication skills and
superior effectiveness building consensus among diverse stakeholders
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Director of the Arts
Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Arts Administration
Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts
Castleton University, Castleton, Vermont, 2013 to present
• Faculty member with half-time administrative release; led revitalization of fine and
performing arts programs by integrating departmental activities, and essential
functions with renewed emphasis upon pre-professional development
• Increased public profile of Castleton arts presentations through aggressive
marketing efforts and relationship development among key community
constituencies

2. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE (cont’d.)
• Created and administered low-residency Master of Arts in arts administration
program, one of two of the university’s first online offerings
• Established and hosted initial on-campus residency for graduate arts
administration students
• Developed and supervised graduate and undergraduate internship opportunities
for Castleton students with regional and national organizations
• Responsible for recruitment, hiring, and evaluation of all instructors in graduate
arts administration program
• Led campus-wide initiative to rebrand and streamline user experience of Moodle
online course management system
• Established successful public-private partnership with historic Paramount Theatre
to integrate higher education with civic engagement; jointly led development of
“Project 240: Celebrating the American Experience” year-long event series
presented by both institutions
• Led ongoing efforts for Rutland downtown revitalization, working with Keller
McIntyre & Associates (Washington, DC), USDA Rural Development, Economic
Development Administration, and local entities to secure $4.5M in capital funds
for creation of Castleton Arts Institute (in progress)
• Centralized all scheduling, marketing, and programming in Fine Arts Center
• Developed first-ever full season marketing initiative, increasing individual ticket
sales for Castleton Essential Artists Series over 100% in three years
• Deployed season subscription packages for the first time in University’s history
• Carried half-time teaching load with student evaluations well above both
departmental and college-wide means
• Assisted full redesign of general education arts & culture course “Soundings” for
online delivery
Coordinator of Arts Advising
Metropolitan State University of Denver, 2011 to 2013
• Coordinator of academic advising activities for 1,500+ art, music, and theatre
majors & minors
• Developed advising workflow improvements for faculty, chairs, staff, and general
academic advisors
• Designed and deployed advising sites for each department with comprehensive
advising information and web-based appointment request system
• Selected to be first advisor to adopt Banner Relationship Management tracking
system
• Adjunct instructor of THE 2220 (Acting I) for Department of Theatre
Associate Artistic Director
The Edge Theatre Company, Denver, Colorado, 2011 to 2013
• Formed artistic mission statement and company vision with founding artistic
director
• Directed mainstage productions (recipient of 2013 Denver Broadway World
awards for Best Director, Best Ensemble, and Best Production)
• Established first 5-year strategic plan
• Developed annual and production budgets

3. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE (cont’d.)
• Responsible for selection of mainstage and auxiliary programming leading to
2014 “Best Season” award from Denver Westword
• Recruited and hired directors, designers, actors, and technical staff
• Assisted in coordination of development and fundraising efforts
Vice President of Operations and Executive Speech Coach
The American Movie Company, New York, New York, 2010 to 2011
• Responsible for all aspects of studio including marketing, client relations, studio
management, and personnel administration
• Reconfigured personnel workload and studio workflow systems, eliminating
redundancies and increasing revenues over 20%
• Project manager for accounts totaling over $1M annually including Kaplan
University
• Created and copyrighted CICERO system for public speaking training
• Via CICERO, served as presentation coach for heads of state (Raila Odinga,
Kenya; Felipe Calderon, Mexico), diplomatic corps (Josephine Ojiambo, Kenyan
Representative to the United Nations), top executives (Moira Forbes, publisher,
Forbes Woman; Nicolaus Paumgarten, CEO, Corsair Capital), and major
celebrities (Liam Neeson, Morgan Spurlock, Anthony Rapp, Amanda Peet)
Head, Department of Theatre
Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, Colorado, 2006-2010
• Responsible for all operations of growing collegiate theatre department including
production, academics, vision, recruitment, retention, curriculum, accreditation,
fundraising, student services, and fundraising
• Served directly under academic vice president in academic model without dean-
level administration; worked closely with senior administration on both
departmental and institutional goals and objectives
• Developed and maintained departmental strategic planning matrix for curriculum,
production, budgeting and personnel
• Functioned as representative to numerous campus-wide working groups
managing rapid institutional change during a period of unprecedented growth
• Led revision of numerous courses for approval via Colorado Commission on
Higher Education’s GT Pathways mandates
• Worked extensively on multiple committees with two- and four-year stakeholders
in Mesa State’s dual mission environment to ensure seamless
transitions/transfers between community college and baccalaureate sides of the
institution
• Guided department through institutional programmatic prioritization
• Authored departmental self-study and program review documents
• Supervisor of 7 tenured/tenure-track faculty, 4 full-time non-tenured faculty, 20
adjunct faculty
• Supervised and assisted with course redesign for online and hybrid delivery
• Responsible for all aspects of budgeting for academic, production, and
foundation accounts totaling $800,000
• Program production manager for season consisting of over 30 productions per
academic year

4. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE (cont’d.)
• Departmental assessment coordinator and chief author of departmental program
review documents
• Supervised all academic and production scheduling, including classes,
rehearsals, performances, and external organization facility use
Associate Professor of Theatre
Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, Colorado, 2000-2010
§ Tenured professor: acting, directing, playwriting, music theatre, and speech
§ Faculty director and voice/dialect coach of mainstage/summer productions
§ Successfully redesigned three courses for online delivery
§ Recruitment Coordinator: majors increased from 43 (2000) to 120 (2005)
§ Faculty Senate Vice President 2004-2006
§ Creative Director/Executive Producer, “Beau Tube” web series
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Arts Administration and Community in the 21st
Century (AAD 5010)
Castleton University (online)
The introductory course in Castleton’s Master of Arts program in arts
administration, this class included both the week-long residency on campus
(which involved intensive community-building work for the cohort in addition
to site visits to numerous arts organizations) and online coursework for the
remainder of the summer term designed to introduce graduate students to
key issues in arts leadership in the current climate.
Marketing & Media in the Arts (AAD 5050)
Castleton University (online)
This course required students to engage in a comprehensive study of all
facets of marketing strategy—including market research, segmentation,
media buying, social media, and other arenas—in nonprofit arts organizations
in the United States. Additionally, students completed a full-scale marketing
plan for a hypothetical arts organization for their final program portfolio.
Graduate Practicum in Theatre Arts (THA 5040)
Castleton University
Graduate students enrolled in this course conceive, develop, and present a
major production project in each semester depending upon their area of
emphasis; the faculty role is one of supervision, mentoring, and support
through regular face-to-face meetings and attendance at rehearsals.
Graduate Seminar in Theatre Arts (THA 6742)
Castleton University
A rigorous review of both dramatic literature and the challenges associated
with bringing it to the stage, this course requires graduate theatre students to
analyze 8 to 12 plays per semester and present production concepts for
those works, in addition to conducting in-class rehearsals for selected
scenes.

5. TEACHING EXPERIENCE (cont’d.)
Acting I: Introduction to Acting (THA 2121)
Castleton University
This course, primarily serving non-theatre majors in a general education
environment, not only introduced students to the fundamentals of acting, but
also integrated learning across disciplines to help students understand
important connections between the arts, broader educational activities, and
valuable life lessons.
Acting II (THA 2122)
Castleton University
Designed to increase the rigor of the Theatre Arts acting/directing program for
students as they enter the sophomore year, this course provided much
greater emphasis upon technique development in voice, movement, and
theory, specifically focusing on fundamental Linklater, Lessac, and Laban
work.
Introduction to Theatre (THA 1041)
Castleton University
Essentially a survey course, THEA 1041 introduced students to the various
components of the theatrical art form, as well as encouraging students to
view, enjoy, and respond to live theatre. Students were required to attend a
variety of performances and give appropriate feedback to the class in addition
to a more traditional lecture-exam format.
Voice for Performance (THA 2210)
Castleton University
This course, the primary vocal technique seminar taken by students in the
Theatre Arts major, introduced students to important components of effective
speech for the stage. Beginning with Linklater- and Berry-inspired workshop
activities, students gradually built vocal technique while eventually applying
their practice to monologue and scene presentations in large and small
performance venues.
Techniques of Acting I (THE 2220)
Metropolitan State University of Denver
This course provided an introduction to the basic principles of acting including
improvement of voice, body, and mind in the discipline of theatre. Particular
emphasis was placed upon the principles of character analysis, stage
movement, and scene work.
Introduction to Higher Education (SUPP 101)
Colorado Mesa University
Taught as part of a weeklong Freshman Year Initiative (FYI) program, this
course focused intensively upon student preparedness for the undergraduate
experience. Particular attention was paid to study skills, learning styles,
assessment, composition, and other tools for academic success; secondary
emphasis targeted personal survival skills such as time management,
financial responsibility, and healthy lifestyle choices.

6. TEACHING EXPERIENCE (cont’d.)
Speechmaking (SPCH 102)
Colorado Mesa University
Designed to improve students’ communication and public speaking skills, this
course introduced them to elements of successful speech writing and
speechmaking. Students were required to give a variety of speeches during
the semester, each with a specific purpose (to inform, to persuade, to
entertain, etc.).
Voice and Diction (SPCH 112)
Colorado Mesa University
This course assisted students to improve the effectiveness of their
interpersonal communication skills by demonstrating the importance of quality
in speech. Students learned the International Phonetic Alphabet,
physiological bases for vocal production and effectiveness, and subsequently
built on this knowledge by giving a variety of in-class presentations.
The Living Arts Online (FINE 101)
Colorado Mesa University
This is the University’s primary fine arts/humanities survey course, and its
curriculum covers theatre, music, two-dimensional and three-dimensional art,
architecture, and dance. Under guidelines suggested by the Redesign
Alliance of the National Center for Academic Transformation (NCAT), I
engaged in a full redesign of this course toward purely online delivery. As a
result, enrollment increased over 300 percent in two academic years.
Theatre Appreciation (THEA 141)
Colorado Mesa University
Essentially a survey course, THEA 141 introduced students to the various
components of the theatrical art form, as well as encouraging students to
view, enjoy, and respond to live theatre. Students were required to attend a
variety of performances and give appropriate feedback to the class as a
whole, in addition to a more traditional lecture-exam format.
Introduction to Dramatic Literature (THEA 145)
Colorado Mesa University
This course provided students with an introduction to several great works of
Western dramatic literature as a means of exploring the history, styles, and
techniques employed by playwrights throughout the ages. Particular
emphasis was placed on the belief that all dramatic material is primarily
intended to be spoken aloud, and as such oral interpretation of the plays
covered in class is utilized extensively.

7. TEACHING EXPERIENCE (cont’d.)
Acting I: Beginning Acting (THEA 153)
Colorado Mesa University
Through the use of Robert Cohen’s Acting One and intensive improvisation
and scene work, beginning actors were introduced to the fundamental
questions and challenges involved in a systematic approach to the craft of
acting. The course was designed to provide both majors and non-majors with
a broad framework of styles and methods that can be used as life
communication skills or as scaffolding for future programmatic success.
Acting II: Stage Movement (THEA 152)
Colorado Mesa University
Stage Movement provided undergraduate actors with a basic technique of
gesture, movement styles, and stage combat. Students were introduced to
the work of a variety of approaches (Viewpoints, Suzuki, Lessac, Michael
Chekhov, Grotowski) and developed discipline and physical awareness. The
course also stressed the need for actors-in-training to focus on health and
physical fitness as means to successful professional careers.
Acting IV:Stage Dialects (THEA 254)
Colorado Mesa University
This course introduced students to the study of stage dialects (specifically
Standard British, American Southern, New York City, Dublin Irish, and
Scottish). Students gain edpractical experience using the above accents in
the acting idiom, as well as developing proficiency in the International
Phonetic Alphabet and building a framework for future application in a wide
variety of stage dialects.
Theatre History I and II (THEA 331/332)
Colorado Mesa University
These two courses, redesigned for online delivery, represented the
department’s required history curriculum for all majors. Through extensive
research and writing, coupled with comprehensive examinations and web-
based discussions, students were exposed to the major events and
personalities which shaped Western theatrical traditions.
Music Theatre History and Literature (THEA 341)
Colorado Mesa University
This course provided the student an in-depth study of the literature and styles
of major figures in music theatre from its beginnings through the present day.
The coursework was designed specifically for the performance major and
utilized various modalities to illustrate the history of this important form.
Acting V: Styles in Acting (THEA 352)
Colorado Mesa University
This course introduced students to the use of stylized performance in two
ways. First, the course developed the student’s understanding of style and
its manifestations as behavioral adjustments; second, the course contained a
survey of major stylistic periods of the Western theatre (Greek tragedy,
commedia, neoclassicism, 19th
century realism, and contemporary styles).

8. Playwriting (THEA 380)
Colorado Mesa University
In this course students were introduced first to the principles of solid script
construction and detailed analysis. The majority of the semester, once this
foundation was laid, was dedicated to the creation and evaluation of the
students’ original scripted material.
Advanced Directing (THEA 382)
Colorado Mesa University
A capstone course, this class required upper-division students to evaluate,
reflect upon, and ultimately synthesize the sum of their experiences within the
department into a fully-realized stage production. To achieve this end,
students analyzed the works of several of the 20th
century’s primary theatrical
visionaries and further study primary techniques of stage direction in non-
traditional modes. In addition, students engaged in focused, evaluated scene
work with their peers.
CREATIVE/SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES
Director (* indicates voice/dialect coach as well)
Hand to God Robert Askins Castleton University
Duck Variations David Mamet Castleton University
August: Osage County Tracy Letts Castleton University
Bengal Tiger at the
Baghdad Zoo Rajiv Joseph Edge Theatre Company
Newark Violenta Jonson Kuhn Edge Theatre Company
A View from the Bridge* Arthur Miller Edge Theatre Company
The Producers* Brooks/Meehan Colorado Mesa University
Stones In His Pockets* Marie Jones Colorado Mesa University
Urinetown Holmann/Koti Colorado Mesa University
Henry V* Shakespeare Colorado Mesa University
An Evening with the
Incorrigibles Cowden, et al Greenshoe Theatre Company
Lobby Hero Kenneth Lonergan Greenshoe Theatre Company
Carnival of the Animals Camille Saint-Saens Grand Junction Symphony
The Who’s Tommy* Townshend/McAnuff Colorado Mesa University
Cowgirls Blame it on
Monday Jonson Kuhn Roundfish Theatre Company
The Trojan Women* Euripides,trans. Rudall Colorado Mesa University
Proof David Auburn Greenshoe Theatre Company
Waiting for Godot Samuel Beckett Greenshoe Theatre Company
Tartuffe* Moliere, trans. Wilbur Colorado Mesa University
The Complete History of
America (abridged) Reed, Tichenor, Martin Greenshoe Theatre Company
The Plough and the Stars* Sean O’Casey Colorado Mesa University
Company* Sondheim/Furth Greenshoe Theatre Company
Dames at Sea Haimsohn/Miller Colorado Mesa University
Godspell* Tebelak/Schwartz Greenshoe Theatre Company
Winterlude Keith Andrews Performing Arts Conservatory

9. CREATIVE/SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES (cont’d.)
The Woman In Black*Stephen Mallatratt Mesa Theater and Club
Grease* Jacobs/Casey Mesa Theater and Club
Coastal Disturbances Tina Howe Mesa Summer Players
Winnie the Pooh adapted Mesa Theater and Club
The Murder Room Jack Sharkey Performing Arts Conservatory
Bobology James Cannon Roundfish Theatre Company
Waiting for Godot Samuel Beckett Roundfish Theatre Company
Glengarry Glen Ross David Mamet Roundfish Theatre Company
Translations Brian Friel Ohio University
Assistant Director
Someone Who’ll Watch
Over Me* Frank McGuinness Denver Center Theatre Co.
A View From the Bridge* Arthur Miller Bristol Old Vic, Bristol, UK
Actor (selected roles)
Race Jack Lawson Edge Theatre Company
The Threepenny Opera Macheath Miners Alley Playhouse
The Drowsy Chaperone Underling Vintage Theatre
Glengarry Glen Ross Moss Edge Theatre Company
Camelot Arthur High Desert Opera
The Weir* Finbar Mac Folding Chair Theatre (NYC)
True West Lee Greenshoe Theatre Company
Die Fledermaus Alfred Grand Junction Symphony
Fortinbras (guest artist) Fortinbras Colorado Mesa University
Murder at the Howard
Johnson’s Paul Miller Greenshoe Theatre Company
Proof Hal Greenshoe Theatre Company
Waiting for Godot Lucky Greenshoe Theatre Company
American Buffalo Teach Greenshoe Theatre Company
Art Serge Greenshoe Theatre Company
The Raj Hamlet Ghost/Fortinbras Colorado Mesa University
Side By Side By Sondheim Man 1 Greenshoe Theatre Company
The Woman In Black Kipps Mesa Theater and Club
A Chorus Line Zack Colorado Mesa University
Waiting for Godot Pozzo Roundfish Theatre Company
Fool For Love Martin Ad Hoc Theatre, Denver
SportsTalk 2000 Beau Ad Hoc Theatre, Denver
Film/Television/Other (selected experience)
NY Pops Holiday Concert Essential Voices USA Carnegie Hall
Stephen Sondheim 80th
Birthday Celebration Essential Voices USA Carnegie Hall
Mr. President Essential Voices USA National Public Radio
“God Bless America” Featured Soloist Colorado Rockies/CoorsField
Spaugstofan Mr. Cowden, Explorer RUV Network, Iceland

10. CREATIVE/SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES (cont’d.)
Machine Head (feature) Machine Head Schmooxenfrog Productions
Grand Junction Symphony Voice Artist FoxHaven Productions
Sportsman’s Warehouse Villain (regional spot) Production West
Road To the Horse 2005 voice artist (RFTV) FoxHaven Productions
Taco John’s Policeman (regional spot) IMS Productions
Professional Presentations and Scholarly Work
Arts Presenters of Northern New England Presentation: “The Paramount
Collaboration”
Colorado State Thespians College Auditor/Presenter
TELECOOP Conference Presentation: “Not In MY Discipline”
Acting One (5th
edition), Cohen Review Committee
Rocky Mountain Theatre Association Seminar: “Ensemble Building”
Rocky Mountain Theatre Association Adjudicator
American College Theatre Festival Region X Adjudicator
SERVICE
• Arts Presenters of Northern New England (APNNE): Board member
• Castleton Downtown Advisory Board
• Castleton University Academic Affairs Council
• Castleton University Cultural Affairs Committee
• Castleton University Teaching & Learning Technology working group
• Metropolitan State University of Denver Early Alert Committee
• Metropolitan State University of Denver Ombuds Search
• Colorado Mesa University Academic Council (Department Heads)
• Colorado Mesa University Academic Program Quality & Priorities Committee
• Colorado Mesa University Faculty Senate Vice President
• Colorado Mesa University Departmental Recruitment Coordinator
• Colorado Mesa University Handbook for Professional Personnel Revision
Committee
• Colorado Mesa University Policies and Procedures Manual Committee
• Colorado Mesa University Committee for Programmatic Prioritization
• Colorado Mesa University Theatre Board of Directors
• Colorado Commission on Higher Education General Education Guaranteed
Transfer Committee
• Committee to Study Colorado Mesa University Concurrent Enrollment Policies
• Mesa County Valley School District #51 Speakers’ Bureau
• Co-Host, Rocky Mountain Theatre Association Festival
• Rocky Mountain Theatre Association Board Secretary
• Adjudicator, American College Theatre Festival Region VII
• Master of Ceremonies, Mesa County United Way and March of Dimes