Department of Theatre and Dance

• M.F.A.  Ohio State University
• B.F.A.  Utah State University
• Scenic Design, Scenic Technology, Properties

Trent Bean is a theatrical designer, maker, and educator, whose work centers on connecting classroom learning with professional practice. He joins Appalachian State University as Scenic Designer after designing, building, and mentoring at Snow College, where he developed production-based learning environments that give students meaningful, hands-on experience in design and technical theatre.

His creative work spans academic and professional settings, including collaborations with regional theatres and summer companies such as Utah Festival Opera, Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, and Idaho State University. Collaborating with bright minds such as Trent Hanna, Dmitri Peskov, Karl Eigsti, and Petr Matasek. He remains actively engaged in the field through design work and participation in national organizations including LDI, USITT, and ACTF.

Trent’s approach to teaching emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and helping students build the skills and confidence to transition into professional and transfer-level opportunities. He is especially interested in fostering connections between students, institutions, and the broader theatrical community.