Roy Backes
Lecturer of Theater
B.F.A. Point Park University
Biography
After graduating with top honors from Point Park University’s conservatory theater program in his hometown of Pittsburgh Roy began his career as the Prop Master for the late, great Fred Rogers on Public Television’s “Mister Rogers Neighborhood”, caring for Fred’s beloved fish tank, trolley and puppets. Since then, Roy has spent over four decades in the professional theater, working as a Production Manager, General Manager and Production Stage Manager, both on and off Broadway and at regional theaters throughout the country, including Pittsburgh’s Odd Chair Playhouse; the Pittsburgh Public Theatre; Hartman Theatre; Roundabout Theatre Company; Philadelphia Drama Guild; Prince Music Theatre; Freedom Theatre; Wilma Theatre; Bay Street Theatre; Williamstown Theatre Festival and many more.
Roy is a proud member of Actors Equity, USITT and the Production Managers Forum. He and his wife, Lisbeth Bartlett, an acting coach, writer and award-winning stage and screen actor, just celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary. Their son, Oliver who graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania, is now attending the Kennedy School for Public Policy at Harvard University after working for five years in Washington DC at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, one of the top think tanks in the country. Roy thanks both Lisbeth and Oliver for their love and undying support. In his spare time Roy pursues painting, writing, poetry, and practicing yoga. Namaste.