Nic Barilar

Dr. Nic Barilar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He specializes in Irish theatre and drama, transnational histories, censorship studies, and performance theory. Holding a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh, he teaches courses in theatre history, dramatic literature, and directing. His research explores how ideas and performances transcend national borders, including studies on censorship's impact on audience interpretation and the colonial contexts of 'absurdist' theatre.

Education:

• BFA & BA in Theatre/English: Clarion University of Pennsylvania
• MA in English Literature: University of Alabama
• PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies: University of Pittsburgh

Recent Productions: Directed Cabaret (2025), Puffs (2024), and others in UWL's theatre season. Collaborates with faculty and student teams in scenic design, sound, and costume production.

Research Highlights: Explores transnational theatre histories, including censorship's global ripple effects and decolonial critiques of absurdist plays. Recent publications analyze James Joyce adaptations and colonial influences on European theatre.

Grants & Advising: No explicit grants listed, but actively mentors student designers and dramaturges in productions. Advises on directing techniques and performance theory.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across UWL's Theatre & Dance department, including technical directors, choreographers, and sound engineers.