Unsung Heroes:

Bob Knuth, Resident Scenic Designer

In this month’s Unsung Heroes spotlight- where we recognize those who make magic happen from behind the curtain- we honor Bob Knuth, our resident scenic designer for the 2025–2026 season. Bob’s designs have already brought Misery and Miracle on South Division Street to life on our stage, and he will be shaping the worlds of our upcoming productions, Admissions and Ruthless! The Musical. A 17-time Chicago JEFF Award nominee, with two wins for Outstanding Scenic Design, Bob’s work blends meticulous craft with bold imagination, transforming every space he touches.

After 16 years as Creative Director and Resident Scenic Designer for The Second City in Chicago, Toronto, Hollywood, and at the Kennedy Center, Bob has pivoted to freelance design and higher education. He now directs, designs and teaches at Lake Forest College, nurturing the next generation of theatre artists while continuing to create immersive theatrical experiences. His recent design credits span a wide array of stages, from Godspell and Fiddler on the Roof with Music Theater Works, to Hairspray at Uptown Music Theater Highland Park, and several productions at Mercury Theater Chicago, including Young Frankenstein, CLUE, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, The Color Purple and The Addams Family.

Bob’s generosity extends beyond the design studio. In collaboration with Citadel Theatre Education, he is donating set pieces from Lake Forest College to be used in the upcoming Seussical JR., providing students with professional-quality resources and inspiring young artists.

Whether building fantastical worlds for musicals or lending his expertise to foster creativity in the next generation, Bob Knuth’s artistry, mentorship, and dedication embody the very spirit of an “unsung hero,” quietly elevating every production and leaving a lasting mark on both artists and audiences alike.