NDPR Featured in KC STUDIO Magazine

Arts News: Influential National Design Portfolio Review, founded by UMKC’s Tom Mardikes, enters its 13th Year

Rebecca Smith March 26, 2024

On May 25 the National Design Portfolio Review will be held at New York’s historic Bohemian National Hall. Founded in 2011 by Tom Mardikes, UMKC professor of theatre sound design, the NDPR presents talented theatrical designers from the country’s finest graduate programs and connects them with established designers, directors and producers.

“Reputations get formed,” says Mardikes. “We learn from each other and probably pick up some tricks from each other.”

NDPR is a shining opportunity for ambitious graduates. But it also serves the participating schools, who use it in recruitment efforts. Mardikes has himself hired talent he’s discovered there for local productions. READ MORE

Scene designer Chris Barecca, NDPR vice president, visiting with UCSD presenter Daniella Toscano. Daniella now teaches costume design at UMKC. (NDPR)

Hal Prince, now deceased, in 2013 visiting a young designer (NDPR)