2000 U.S. Professor of the Year

Brad Baker is a Renaissance man of the theater. Besides building an award-winning college theater program, his doctoral dissertation explores the social, political, and artistic impact black revolutionary theater had on apartheid in South Africa. He also is a director, producer, and playwright; proficient in stage combat and stunt work; and certified by the Ringling Brothers Clown College as a juggler.

Baker arrived at Collin County Community College in Plano, Texas, in 1992. Under his direction, theater students won the 1996 National Collegiate Champion in Drama award at the Kennedy Center’s American College Theater Festival-the only community college ever to win the Washington, DC, competition. The Kennedy Center also named the program among the nation’s top 10 community theater programs in 1993-1996 and 1997-2000.

Baker encourages students to serve populations in need. Through the Theatre Outreach Collective, his students write plays and perform for troubled youth. He also developed StuntWorks to train underprivileged children around the country in circus skills and stage combat.

Former student Michael Urie credits Baker with encouraging him to apply to the Juilliard School in New York City, where Urie is now a sophomore. “Professor Baker’s determination and artistic integrity are at the forefront of everything he does as he brings an edge of compassion and excitement to his co-workers, actors, students, and audience. His good nature, charm, intellect, and humor leave a lasting impression on every student.”

Campus contact:
Judy Jones
Director of Public Relations
Collin County Community College
Tel: 972-758-3894
jjones@ccccd.edu

For more information, contact Cheryl Wesley at wesley@case.org or (202) 478-5646.