James R. Ball III

James R. Ball III is an Associate Professor of Performance and Visual Studies at Texas A&M University, serving as Associate Dean for Industry and Community Engagement and Director of the Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts. His research explores the intersection of politics and performance, focusing on global political spectatorship, diplomatic theatre, and immersive performance. He holds a B.A. in Film Studies from Columbia University and M.A. and Ph.D. in Performance Studies from New York University. Before academia, he worked as a theatre producer/director in NYC and DC.

Dr. Ball’s work examines theatrical structures in public political events and performances intervening in political processes. His book Theater of State: A Dramaturgy of the United Nations (2020) analyzes UN institutional theatricality, while his edited collection Performing Statecraft (2022) explores postdiplomatic theatre. His research also addresses robots in performance, theatre and war, and civic dramaturgy.

Teaching specialties include Performance Studies theories, arts activism, Cold War theatre, and interactive theatre. His scholarship spans journals like TDR: The Drama Review and Brecht Yearbook, with emphases on spectatorship, technology, and political performance dynamics.