Mallory Prucha is an Associate Professor of Costume Design/Technology, having received early tenure and promotion at the Texas Tech University, School of Theatre & Dance, where she serves as Associate Director of Academic Affairs/ Curricula and head of Design. She is also the Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives for the TTU J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts.
A multi-faceted Fine Artist, she is a member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829, IATSE and serves as National Vice Chair for Design Technology and Management for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Mallory is a certified Composite Sketch Artist for Law Enforcement through Stuart Parks Forensics Associates and works for the Lubbock Police Department on an as needed basis.
Mallory’s practice ranges from traditional fine arts to design for theatrical production. Her research agenda is focused on the application of the arts in non-traditional contexts, including use of theatre to augment training efficacy for first response, medical, and disaster relief training exercises. She has developed partnerships regionally with TTU Health Sciences Center, TTU Veterinary School, and the City of Lubbock, in which her intersectional work training standardized patients and moulage artists has helped to train thousands of future service providers. Her commitment to forwarding a STEAM agenda has garnered many awards, including the Texas Tech Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research and the TTU President’s Award for Engaged Creative Activity.
She received an MFA in Costume Design from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. She also holds an MA in Theatre Arts and a BA in Studio Art from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She has also taught at California State University-Chico, Mesa Community College, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and Iowa Western Community College.
She has spent over a decade working in professional theatre for companies like Utah Festival Opera, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Nebraska Shakespeare, Nebraska Repertory, Black Hills Playhouse, Southwest Shakespeare, Bilkent University, and CENARTS in Mexico City in capacities of Costume Designer, Cutter/Draper, Craftsperson, Dramaturg, Make-Up Artist, Scenic Charge Artist, and consultant.
Mallory works as a professional sidewalk chalk artist, recognizing the importance of accessibility of the arts and making-in-place. She also is a decorated medallic artist, winning the Westminster Mint International “Green Coin” Design contest and has designed the highest honors for excellence for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. She has illustrated 8 volumes of poetry for Dr. Toni Poll-Sorenson, among other contributions to theatrical texts.
Recently she was awarded the KCACTF Gold Medallion, the highest honor from the organization, celebrating her contributions as both an artist and educator. During her time at TTU, she has been awarded the TLPDC Diamond Award, President's Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Award, as well as a President's Leadership Institute Fellowship, and more.
Visit "Portfolios" for samples of her work. Please contact her with questions, comments and inquiries on professional contracts and commissions, and follow her on social media for live updates!