Jeremy W. Foil
Art Director for films and Broadway
Education: B.A. in Theatre and Dance
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Jeremy W. Foil is based in New York City, where he is an art director working in feature film, a variety of programming for various streaming platforms, and live events. His extraordinary list of credits includes Fallout (Art Directors Guild Award), American Horror Story: Delicate, Gossip Girl (HBO), and Fosse/Verdon (Art Directors Guild nomination). He has also contributed as associate set designer to Broadway productions such as The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Tony Nomination), Honeymoon in Vegas, and School of Rock The Musical (London, Australia, China and Korea).
Jeremy was named the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus in Theatre, but years before his incredible career, he was just a high school student who loved the arts and was determined to continue his education in the arts during college. Initially, he had his heart set on a school in New York City, convinced it was his path to the Broadway stage. However, coming from a large family, the idea of leaving North Carolina felt almost unimaginable. So he decided to attend UNC Charlotte, which allowed him an excellent education in the arts while still being able to stay home and help his parents with his younger siblings.
“As a commuter student, I never felt disconnected from the college experience,” Jeremy said in his remarks at the 2025 College of Arts + Architecture Distinguished Alumni Awards. “The university and its schedule were incredibly accommodating, enabling me to get a great education while working to pay my way through school. I’m proud to say that I graduated debt-free, and I truly got more out of my education than just what was reflected in my tuition.”
When Jeremy first arrived on campus, his focus was solely on the stage as a performer, but the program at UNC Charlotte encouraged him to explore all aspects of theater – on stage, behind the scenes, and even in the creative process. It was in this environment that he met theatre design professor Bob Croghan.
“Bob changed the trajectory of my career. I enrolled in his Elements of Design course—a foundational class that, in one semester, ignited something in me that I didn’t even know existed. Bob saw potential in me that I couldn’t see myself, and through his mentorship, I discovered that being a performer didn’t have to be the only path to success. Over the years, Bob introduced me to the world of design, especially costume and set design, which became a major focus of my work. He encouraged me to take classes in set design and supported my independent studies. I even had the chance to assist him on several shows, learning the craft of scale model building and technical drafting. I’m forever grateful to Bob for his guidance, belief in me, and for helping me realize my potential.”
Jeremy said that UNC Charlotte challenged him to push the boundaries of creativity, discipline, and resilience, and that the experiences, knowledge, and relationships he gained during his time here have been the foundation upon which he has built his career over the past 20 years.
After graduating from UNC Charlotte, Jeremy received a Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Design from the University of Maryland at College Park. A proud member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE, he gives back to his artistic community by serving on the Eastern Region Board and advocating for the membership and craft.
Jeremy’s upcoming projects include the Netflix limited series Black Rabbit directed by Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, A24’s Marty Supreme with production designer Jack Fisk, and his eleventh collaboration with comic Jim Gaffigan.
His advice for current students: “I encourage you to embrace the journey of growth and discovery that lies ahead. This program will give you the tools, but it’s your passion, dedication, and willingness to learn that will shape your future. Trust the process. Keep pushing yourself, and when you feel like giving up, push just a little more.”