Ariel Ballif photograph collection, 1930-1990

Ariel Smith Ballif, Jr. (1926-1994), a prominent stage designer and co-founder of Theater 138, Salt Lake City's first "alternative" theater, was born in Rexburg, Idaho, the son of Ariel Smith (1901-1995) and Artemesia Romney Ballif (1904-1993). He was raised in Utah, graduated from Brigham Young University, and later received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University. During the 1950s through 1970s, Ballif directed and co-produced productions for theaters in Richmond, Virginia; taught design at the Yale School of Drama; and worked in the Yale Resident Theater. From 1956 until 1986, Ballif and his partners Tom Carlin and Stu Falconer operated Theater 138 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ballif also worked as an adjust professor of theater at the University of Utah and designed major productions for Pioneer Theater Company, Ballet West, Utah Opera, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and others.