Mr. Michael Helms

  • Chairperson, Department of Theatre and Dance
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts from Utah State University
  • Master of Fine Arts from Brigham Young University.

Michael Helms is a professor of scenic and lighting design at Appalachian State University. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Utah State University and a Master of Fine Arts from Brigham Young University. Before coming to Appalachian State in 2009, Mr. Helms was a professor of theatre at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah where he designed sets and lights for over 100 productions.

He has designed lighting and scenery for the Nevada Ballet Theatre in Las Vegas. While with the NBT he worked with nationally recognized choreographers and repetitures and has toured with the Nevada Ballet throughout the western United States and in Europe.  He designed scenery for the 2002 premier of Bruce Steivel’s Dracula and the 2008 production of Cinderella for Emmy nominated choreographer Peter Anastos.

Michael has served as technical director, as well as, production manager for the Utah Shakespearean Festival.. In addition, has designed scenery and or lighting for Ensemble Stage, Barter Theatre, ASU Opera Workshop, BYU Opera, The American Folk Ballet and Bay Pointe Ballet.

Michael's personal website may be found at HERE.

Title: Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance, Professor, Theatre Arts - Design/Technology
Department: Theatre and Dance

Email address: Email me

Phone: (828) 262-7461