Our Future.
The National Design Portfolio Review (NDPR) originated at USITT in 2010, with the first event held in May 2011. NDPR's mission is to connect talented, emerging theatrical designers from top graduate programs with established professionals in the industry. This event provides postgraduates a formal introduction to the profession, offering a chance to present their portfolios and engage with leading producers, artistic directors, and designers. For 13 years, the elegant Grand Ballroom of the Bohemian National Hall served as the venue for this celebratory welcome into the profession. In 2024, NDPR moved its showcase to the John C. Paulson Center at NYU, the newest building on campus, completed in 2023 and designed in line with NYU’s Climate Action Plan. NDPR is now held in both the African Grove Theatre and Theatre C. Additionally, NDPR became a 501(c) nonprofit organization in 2023.
Tom Mardikes from UMKC has served as president of NDPR since its inception and will continue in this role until his upcoming retirement after NDPR 2025. Christopher Kuhl from UCSD will take over as president starting in 2026.
