Rick DesRochers

Rick DesRochers serves as Professor of Theatre and Director of the Theatre Program at Lehman College, City University of New York, bringing extensive professional experience from institutions including the Joseph Papp Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival, Goodman Theatre, and Soho Theatre of London. His leadership shapes a dynamic program emphasizing physical theatre, devising, and multimedia integration within the Department of Music, Multimedia, Theatre & Dance.

His academic foundation includes a B.A. from Arizona State University, an M.F.A. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the Graduate Center, City University of New York.

Dr. DesRochers' research explores the historical and contemporary landscapes of comedy and performance, with deep expertise in Progressive Era vaudeville, contemporary satire, and the convergence of hip-hop aesthetics with traditional theatre. His work investigates social themes including class dynamics, ethnic identity, and youth culture through physical training techniques derived from Ecole Jacques Lecoq. This interdisciplinary approach bridges historical analysis with innovative contemporary practice, particularly in urban contexts.

His publications reveal a scholarly trajectory focused on American comedic traditions evolving from early 20th-century vaudeville to modern television and stand-up comedy. Recent works increasingly incorporate multimedia performance and hip-hop theatre, demonstrating a commitment to understanding comedy as a vital mechanism for social commentary across diverse cultural contexts. This evolution highlights the enduring relevance of historical performance forms in addressing contemporary societal issues.

His scholarly excellence has been recognized with significant honors:

• 2014 Finalist for the George Freedley Memorial Award for The New Humor in the Progressive Era: Americanization and the Vaudeville Comedian
• Designated 'Outstanding Title in the Performing Arts' by the American Library Association for The Comic Offense from Vaudeville to Contemporary Comedy

As Theatre Program Director, Dr. DesRochers provides comprehensive mentorship through productions including Shakespeare's Hamlet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, Brecht's Life of Galileo, and his original devised work BUSTED!. His leadership fosters student development in acting, directing, and playwriting while maintaining professional collaborations that enhance educational opportunities.

Dr. DesRochers maintains strong institutional connections through the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts and partnerships with organizations like the Playwrights' Center of Minneapolis. These relationships provide students with access to professional networks and industry resources, enriching the academic experience with real-world theatrical practice.