Marc W. Vital II
Costume Designer
Marc W. Vital II is the Assistant Professor of Costume Design at the University of Missouri. He trains students in critical thinking and problem solving through the art of costume design and construction. Teaching in a BA program, many students come to dabble in something new only to find their calling. Regardless of if they change their degree, students will leave with a stronger sense of self and belief in their own creativity to apply to any field.
He currently works with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (K.C.A.C.T.F.) Region 5 as the Vice Chair of the Representation, Equity, and Diversity (R.E.D.)Committee. As such, he strives to reach seven states worth of soon to be theatre professionals with the message to build a better future and set the example for the entertainment industry to follow. He works to change the oppressive traditions that run though our systems.
As a Gay, Black man, Marc is working to create understanding in the community at large in regards to LGBT+ experiences. His hope is that in the future, we will be accepted as our wholistic and authentic selves.
Marc holds his MFA in Costume Design from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and his BA in Theatre with a Concentration in Costume Design from the University of Alabama.
His works include Ragtime: the Musical by Terrence McNally with music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty for the Larry D. Clark Summer Repertoire Theatre, Funny House of a Negro by Adrienne Kennedy for MU Theatre, and Father Comes Home from the Wars by Suzan-Lori Parks.