Professor Nils Riess

Nils Riess (Producer/Department Chair) is a native of New York City. He is the chair of the Department of Communication Arts, is head of the University’s fine arts division and was instrumental in planning the design and construction of the Freed Center for the Performing Arts. As a professor of theatre, he teaches a performance-oriented curriculum. Riess has experience as a professional actor, director, stage manager and consultant in arts education, and is an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. He has served on theatre and dance advisory panels and as an on-site theatre and dance evaluator. During his tenure at ONU, Riess has expanded the theatre program to include a dance minor, a BFA in musical theatre, a guest artist program and an international studies program. As a director he has staged over 100 plays and produced over 400 performance events. Professor Riess considers international collaborations an integral part of the theatre program. In addition to founding the International Play Festival, he has hosted numerous international artists and facilitated student study programs and internships throughout the world. Professor Riess initiated the program, which enables ONU students to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival every three to four years. He was also instrumental in setting up the BFA in International Theatre Production. Nils is a recipient of the Ohio Governor’s Award for arts in education.