David Utley
David Utley, Visiting Assistant Professor, Scenic & Properties Design
School of Performing Arts
343 Henderson Hall
davidku@vt.edu
David Utley is a seasoned scenic designer and art director with over two decades of experience spanning film, television, theatre, and education. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Scene Design from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Abilene Christian University.
David’s film and television credits include work as Assistant Art Director and Art Director on major productions such as Bass Reeves (Paramount Network), The First Lady (Showtime), Castle Rock (Hulu), Geostorm, The Nice Guys, Glee, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. His collaborators have included leading production designers like Tony Fanning, Kevin Constant, Wynn Thomas, and Nelson Coates.
In theatre, David has designed for respected companies including Penfold Theatre Company, Legacy Theatre, Civic Theatre of Allentown, and Jenny Wiley Theatre, with credits ranging from It's a Wonderful Life to Jesus Christ Superstar. His live event design includes high-profile galas such as the Dramatist Guild Fund Gala and the Art Director’s Guild Awards.
As an educator, David has taught scenic design and technical theatre at institutions including Abilene Christian University, Fort Lewis College, and the University of Texas at Austin, emphasizing student-centered pedagogy and interdisciplinary design.
He is a proud member of the Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800) and has served as an associate designer for Tony Award-winner David Gallo on international productions. David’s designs and renderings can be seen in The Art Director’s Handbook for Film by Michael Rizzo and The Nice Guys: From Script to Screen by Shane Black.
- Scene Design for theatre
- Production Design / Art Direction for television and film
- Properties Design for theatre and film
- 3D modeling for theatre and film
- Scenic Painting / Mural Painting
- MFA, Scene Design for theatre, University of Texas - Austin
- BA in Theatre, Abilene Christian University
- Member of the Art Directors Guild - IATSE Local 800
- Peabody Award Winner for Art Direction – Men of a Certain Age (2010)
- Set Designer for the 75th Anniversary Art Director’s Guild Award Show (2012)
- Set Designer for the Dramatist Guild Fund Gala (2016) – Gotham Hall, NYC
- Set Designer for the Dramatist Guild Fund Gala (2015) – The Edison Ballroom, NYC
- "The Art Director’s Handbook for Film" by Michael Rizzo
- "The Nice Guys: From Script to Screen" by Shane Black
- 33’-0” x 18’-0” painted mural for the restaurant Leaf & Love, Carolina Beach, NC