About
Mark Cosdon is Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at Allegheny College, affiliated with the Department of Communication, Media, and Performance in the Vukovich Center for Communication Arts. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in theatre history, literature, and criticism from Tufts University and a B.A. in American studies from Colby College. He also maintains an academic appointment at the University of Palermo in Sicily, Italy, where he co-teaches a biannual travel course on Renaissance art, culture, and theatricality.
- Education: B.A., Colby College; M.A. and Ph.D., Tufts University
- Institution: Allegheny College
- Department: Communication, Media, and Performance
- Office: Vukovich Center for Communication Arts, Room 311
Mark Cosdon's research centers on the contemporary American stage, the history of popular theatre and entertainments, and the Broadway musical. He is the author of The Hanlon Brothers: From Daredevil Acrobatics to Spectacle Pantomime, 1833–1931, a significant scholarly work on 19th-century performance troupes, and is currently researching the financial structures behind modern American musical theatre. His interdisciplinary scholarship spans theatre history, physical performance, and cultural studies.
His recent publications reflect a strong focus on global and historical performance traditions, including contributions to journals such as Journal of American Drama and Theatre, Asian Theatre Journal, and Theatre History Studies, as well as critical anthologies on Mei Lanfang and pantomime. The body of work demonstrates consistent engagement with physical theatre, cross-cultural performance, and the economics of theatrical production, often bridging academic research with practical industry insights.
- Scientific Awards and Leadership:
- Past-President, American Theatre and Drama Society
- Editorial Board Member, Mimesis International Publishing’s “Drammaturgie e drammatica”
- Editorial Board Member, Theatre History Studies
- Consultant, Bedford Introduction to Drama
Mark Cosdon is an active advisor and mentor, serving as managing director of the Playshop Theatre and directing over 20 productions at Allegheny. He has consulted on major film and television projects including Boardwalk Empire, Water for Elephants, The Illusionist, and Who Do You Think You Are? His work integrates academic scholarship with professional practice, enriching both his teaching and research. He is also involved in grant-supported international education and collaborative research.
He leads a vibrant academic and artistic program that includes student theatre production, international study, and interdisciplinary research. His lab includes the Playshop Theatre, a student-centered performance space, and he collaborates with scholars and practitioners across the U.S. and Europe, particularly in Italy. His future work will continue to explore the intersection of performance, economics, and cultural history, with a forthcoming book on the financial dynamics of the Broadway musical.
