Theatre Staff Bio's
Bob Peterson, Butler’s lead theatre instructor, received degrees in theatre from Emporia State University, studying under nationally respected Dr. Karl C. Bruder. His post-graduate studies have included studying with Jon Jory of the Actors Theatre of Louisville and Ron Daniels of the Royal Shakespeare Company. As a designer, Peterson has been honored by the Kennedy Center in association with the American College Theatre Festival for his outstanding set design work.
A published, award-winning playwright, his plays include Heaven Ajar, an historical fiction dealing with the Coolidge presidency written in cooperation with President Coolidge’s surviving son, John. As a performer, Peterson has toured the Orient with the USO and in regional professional theatre playing Salierei in Amadeus, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and Sauders in Lend Me a Tenor and was the first director to receive the Mary Jane Teall Award for Direction.
In film, Peterson had a leading role in Miramax’s 1995 release, The Crude Oasis, receiving "thumbs up" notices from the New York Times and Variety publications. Most recently he appeared in featured roles in Casualties starring Mark Harmon and Caroline Goodall, and Defying Gravity.
Bernie Wonsetler received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre (with an emphasis in scenic design) from Emporia State University. He is currently working toward a master’s degree at Wichita State University.
Bernie’s responsibilities in the Butler theatre department include all scenic, light and costume designs. He teaches stage craft, stage make-up, theatre practicum and speech. He also works closely with the music and dance departments to achieve quality lighting and sound for their concerts and productions.
Bernie has worked in theatre for the past 20 years. He has worked at such theatres as Actors Theatre of Louisville, Ind. , Indiana Repertory Theatre, Vasser Play House, Music Theatre of Wichita, Wichita Community Theatre and Wichita Children’s Theatre.
Wonsetler can be reached at (316) 322-0818 or 733-0818 from the Wichita/metro area or by e-mail at bwonsetl@butlercc.edu.
