Derek McLane

Derek McLane
Name	Derek McLane
Birth date	1958
Birth place	Boston
Occupation	Set designer, scenic designer, production designer
Years active	1980s–present
Alma mater	Carleton College, Yale School of Drama

Derek McLane is an American scenic designer known for his work across Broadway, West End theatre, regional theatre, opera, and television. His designs span dramatic plays, musicals, and opera productions, often noted for their architectural clarity and adaptability. McLane has collaborated with prominent directors, composers, and actors in productions staged at major venues and festivals.

Early life and education

Born in Boston, McLane attended Choate Rosemary Hall before studying at Carleton College and completing graduate training at the Yale School of Drama. At Yale he worked alongside peers who would go on to careers at institutions such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Lincoln Center Theater, and the Guthrie Theater. His formative influences included exposure to productions at American Repertory Theater, the Shakespeare Theatre Company, and the New York Shakespeare Festival.

Career

McLane built his career in New York City, contributing to productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway venues like The Public Theater, and regional stages such as the La Jolla Playhouse and the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He has collaborated with directors including Gerry McCullough, Neil Pepe, Daniel Sullivan and Michael Greif, and worked with designers and craftsmen from the American Theatre Wing community. His portfolio extends to opera houses including Metropolitan Opera and festivals such as the Glyndebourne Festival Opera and the Spoleto Festival USA.

McLane’s television and film credits include production design for televised theater presentations and adaptations involving companies like PBS and Masterpiece Theatre. He has also taught and lectured at institutions such as the Yale School of Drama, New York University, and the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, mentoring emerging designers and collaborating with organizations like the Tony Awards committee on design panels.

Notable productions and designs

McLane’s Broadway credits feature designs for productions including revivals and new musicals at venues such as the Winter Garden Theatre, Music Box Theatre, and the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. International work includes productions in the West End and at the Royal Opera House. Selected notable projects encompass collaborations on shows associated with artists and creators like Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stephen Schwartz, and directors from the Royal National Theatre.

His opera and concert designs involve collaborations with conductors and companies including James Levine, Gianandrea Noseda, and the New York Philharmonic. McLane’s regional credits include work for the Ahmanson Theatre, Arena Stage, and the Schaubühne. He has also designed for television specials featuring performers affiliated with institutions like the Kennedy Center and the Carnegie Hall.

Awards and honors

McLane has been recognized by major industry organizations, receiving nominations and awards from the Tony Awards, the Drama Desk Awards, and the Outer Critics Circle Awards. He has been honored by institutions such as the American Theatre Wing and received regional accolades from groups including the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and the New York Drama Critics' Circle. His work has been featured in exhibitions at the Museum of the City of New York and highlighted in publications like Architectural Digest and The New York Times.

Personal life

McLane resides in New York City and maintains professional ties to theatrical communities in London and Los Angeles. He serves on boards and advisory councils connected to theaters such as The Public Theater and educational programs at the Yale School of Drama. Outside of theater, he has participated in fundraising and advocacy with cultural organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts and arts education initiatives at institutions like Juilliard.

Category:American scenic designers Category:1958 births Category:People from Boston