Shelley Piasecka

Dr. Shelley Piasecka is an Associate Professor of Theatre and Applied Drama at the University of Chester’s Division of Communication, Screen and Performance within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. She serves as Programme Leader for the MRes in Arts and Media and Senior Postgraduate Research Tutor, while chairing the Arts and Humanities Research Ethics Committee.

• Academic Affiliation: University of Chester
• Research Focus: Theatre-policy intersections, sustainability education via drama, stage adaptation
• Key Roles: Research Ethics Chair, Doctoral Examiner, Viva Chair

Shelley’s research explores theatre’s role in addressing societal challenges, including:

• Counter-terrorism education through Freirean pedagogy (UK PREVENT strategy)
• Creative responses to climate emergency via Plant Dramas project
• Stage adaptation practices with critical analysis of Moby Dick’s legacy
• Sustainability education through drama techniques

Her publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining:

• Theatre direction and creative pedagogy
• Policy analysis and social science frameworks
• Climate crisis engagement and emotional well-being

As a practicing theatre director and playwright, she co-founded the Piasecki & Piasecka Theatre Company with Simon Piasecki, creating works for UK and international audiences. Her recent work focuses on drama-based sustainability education and climate emergency responses.