David Kersnar

DAVID KERSNAR is a founding ensemble member of the Lookingglass Theatre Company and has performed, designed and directed with the company since 1988. Kersnar last directed The Phantom Tollbooth, Lip Sync Invasion and Waging Peace for Young Ensemble. Kersnar has also co-directed with Emilio Robles for the past ten years  devised work for Lookingglas Lab. Kersnar last co-wrote and directed The Last Act of Lilka Kadison for Lookingglass as well and Sita Ram for Chicago Children’s Choir in collaboration with Natya Dance Theatre and Lookingglass Theatre.  Other directing and writing credits include productions at Next Theatre, Chicago Lyric Opera, Chicago Symphony, Lively Arts and Chicago Children’s Theatre.  Kersnar last appeared in Our Town, Secret in the Wings and Summertime. Kersnar also appeared with the Goodman, Steppenwolf, Remains, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Actor’s Gang in Los Angeles, and the Touchstone Theatre of Pennsylvania. Kersnar has twice served as the Lookingglass Artistic Director and founded and directed Lookingglass Education & Community Programs and has served as Master Teacher. Kersnar is currently an adjunct professor at Northwestern University and Roosevelt University. Kersnar co-founded and directed over 40 films and plays nationally and internationally with Shaking the Tree Interactive Productions, which uses theatrical problem-solving techniques in business environments. Film and television credits include U.S. Marshals, Since You’ve Been Gone, Early Edition, and Turks. David holds a BS in theatre/performance studies and a MFA in directing from Northwestern University.