Ioana Rufu

Ioana Rufu is a Romanian theatre pedagogue and performer currently teaching at the National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale" (UNATC) in Bucharest. She holds a Master's Degree in Theatre Pedagogy from UNATC (2016-2018) and a Master's Degree in Acting from Accademia Teatrale Veneta in Venice, Italy (2010-2011). With over 15 years of professional experience since her undergraduate graduation in 2008, she specializes in Commedia dell'Arte, theatre for children, and acting techniques, bridging practical performance experience with academic pedagogy.

Her educational background includes:

• 2016-2018: Master's Degree in Theatre Pedagogy - UNATC Bucharest
• 2010-2011: Master's Degree in Acting - Accademia Teatrale Veneta, Venice, Italy
• 2004-2008: Bachelor's Degree in Theatre (Acting specialization) - Hyperion University Bucharest
• 2000-2004: High School with English-French profile - "Elena Ghiba Birta" National College Arad

Professor Rufu's expertise centers on the integration of traditional theatrical forms with contemporary educational approaches. Her work emphasizes practical application of Commedia dell'Arte techniques, mask work, and physical theatre in both academic and community settings. With fluency in Italian, English, and French, she brings international perspectives to her teaching, having collaborated with institutions across Romania, Italy, France, and Belgium.

Her professional activities demonstrate significant commitment to theatre education at multiple levels:

• 2018-present: Professor of theater courses for children at Teatrul de Artă București
• 2018-present: Professor at "Atelierele Micului Artist" at Opera Comică pentru Copii București
• 2017-present: Instructor of Commedia dell'Arte for the Theatre Pedagogy Master's program at UNATC
• 2017-present: Professor of theater courses for children at multiple institutions including Ingenuo Theatre Company and Jacqueline Ballet School
• 2018: Assistant Director for Commedia dell'Arte productions at Excelsior Theater and Stela Popescu Theater

Her extensive performance history, with over 30 productions since 2002, provides rich practical experience that directly informs her pedagogical methods. Professor Rufu's work represents a significant contribution to theatre education in Romania, particularly in preserving and transmitting traditional theatrical forms to new generations of performers and educators.