Stacy Holman Jones

Stacy Holman Jones is a Professor of Theatre and Performance in the School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics at Monash University. With over 23 years of academic experience, she has developed an international reputation for leadership in performance studies, particularly in feminist and queer theory, new materialist research, and critical arts-based methodologies.

Her educational background includes a PhD in Communication/Performance Studies from the University of Texas at Austin (2001), an MA in Communication from California State University Sacramento (1996), and a BA in Humanities (1988).

Professor Jones's research focuses on performance as socially, culturally, and politically resistive and transformative activity. She is a recognized leader in critical autoethnography and has published over 100 articles, book chapters, and editorials, as well as authored, co-authored, and edited 14 books including the influential Handbook of Autoethnography (2013, 2021) and Queering Autoethnography (2018). Her work spans cultural critique, social inclusion, education, resilience building, designing for social impact, and enhancing health and wellbeing among minoritarian communities.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward creative ecological approaches to mental health, collaborative autoethnographic methods, and innovative design for social impact. Her research increasingly integrates performance studies with mental health applications, particularly in educational settings, while maintaining strong connections to queer theory, new materialisms, and critical autoethnography.

• International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry's Special Career Award
• National Communication Association's Distinguished Service Award in Performance Studies
• Janice Hocker Rushing Early Career Research Award
• Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender Feminist Teacher/Mentor Award
• Over the Rainbow Recommended Book List for Queering Autoethnography (2019)
• International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry Qualitative Book Award, Honourable Mention (2020)
• Multiple Good Design Awards for 'The Tomorrow Party' (2024)

Professor Jones has been part of 3 successful ARC applications totaling $1,353,604, including as Lead CI for DP200102876 Staging Australian Women's Lives (2020-2023). She is currently accepting PhD students with supervision interests in theatre and performance studies, social change and social justice, and health and wellbeing research. She serves as the founding editor of Departures in Critical Qualitative Research and has been actively involved in professional organizations including serving as President of the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry (2015-2018).

Her current research activities include multiple collaborative projects such as 'Playing Transitions - Settling and Belonging in School together' (2024-2027), 'Learning Creates: Tomorrow Party' (2024), and 'Canopy: Creative partnerships for policy advocacy in Climate and Health' (2024), demonstrating her commitment to interdisciplinary, impact-focused research that bridges theory and creative practice.