Paul Dufresne

Biography

Paul J. Dufresne is a scene designer for theatre and opera based in Los Angeles. Originally from Ventura California, Paul received his BA in scene design from Pepperdine University. Paul received his MFA in scene design from Boston University studying under designer James Noone and Director Jim Petosa. Paul has designed both nationally and internationally working with companies such as The English National Opera, The Minnesota Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, The Rubicon Theatre Company, The Road Theater Company, The Gary Marshall Theatre, The Guthrie, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Milwaukee Rep, and LA Opera, among others.

Paul is interested in engaging students in conversations about the art and craft of theatre and about storytelling through design. He is focused on encouraging in students a curiosity and personal investment in their work as they prepare for a career in the professional theatre.

Selected opera credits include scene designs for Dolores Claiborne; Pelléas et Mélisande; Le nozze di Figaro; Hydrogen Jukebox; Die Zauberflöte directed by Henry Price; Additional credits include ovation nominated production Nowhere on the Border (The Road Theatre 2020); Rhinoceros, as well as productions of Angels in America Pt. 1 & 2; These Shining Lives, a production at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival entitled Forget Fire, Goodnight Don’t Be Afraid and Hamlet; Associate scene design for Class; Scott and Hem (Gary Marshall Theatre - 2015) La Rondine, Man of la Mancha, Ghosts of Versailles; The Destiny of Desire among others; Paul was awarded the USITT young designers’ national award for outstanding achievement in scenic design in 2016. 

Education

• MFA Scene Design, Boston University, 2019
• BA Scene Design, Pepperdine University, 2016