Daniel T. Smith, Jr.

Daniel T. Smith, Jr. is an Associate Professor of Theatre Studies at Michigan State University's College of Arts & Letters. With academic training in French Literature (University of Notre Dame) and Theatre (MFA from University of Massachusetts Amherst, PhD from Northwestern University), he specializes in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century French theatre, history of sexuality, and translation studies.

• University of Notre Dame – French Literature
• University of Massachusetts Amherst – MFA in Theatre
• Northwestern University – PhD in Theatre

His research focuses on early modern French drama, queer theory in historical performance analysis, and translational dramaturgy. Recent publications and translations examine Rococo aesthetics, Brechtian pedagogy, and collaborative theatre practices. Smith's work bridges academic scholarship with practical applications through digital accessibility initiatives and open educational resources.

Key trends in his scholarship include:

• Intersection of historical theatre practices and contemporary gender studies
• Innovations in teaching classical texts through modern adaptations
• Dramaturgical approaches to political and community-engaged theatre

Selected accolades:

• Fintz Award for Teaching Excellence in the Arts and Humanities (2022)

As Editor of Theatre/Practice (2019-2023) and LMDA Advocacy Committee member, he developed resources like the Dramaturgy Toolkits site and NPX Recommend-a-thon. His professional dramaturgy credits include work with Steppenwolf Theatre and collaborations on Broadway adaptations.