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Sarah Ashford HartView profile

Assistant Professor

• Applied Theatre
• Human Rights
• Performative Ethnography
• +6 more

Sarah Ashford Hart is an Assistant Professor of Theatre and Performance at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. She is a socially-engaged performance practitioner, scholar, and educator with a focus on transnational pathways for community dialogue through participatory performance. PhD in Performance Studies (2023) at University of California, Davis with designated emphases in Practice as Research and Human Rights Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Barnard College, Columbia University Masters of Arts in Devised Theatre from Dartington College of Arts, Falmouth University Her research areas include applied theatre, human rights, performative ethnography, decolonial theory, affect theory, embodiment, migration studies, carceral studies, and performance studies. Her work explores participatory techniques for exchanging perspectives across cultural barriers, emphasizing freedom of expression and equity in multilingual spaces. Facilitated projects with refugees in rural England Developed communication skills for youth in New York Enhanced pedagogical tools for teachers in Caracas Amplified perspectives of inmates in Chilean prisons Her PhD research focused on incarcerated, migrant, and displaced women and children in California, Chile, and Colombia, aiming to redefine impact metrics in applied theatre through a decolonial lens. She conducted fieldwork in Bogotá as a Fulbright researcher.

Ben HowardView profile

Assistant Professor

• Contemporary Dance
• Immersive Art
• Theatrical Performance
• +5 more

Ben Howard is an Assistant Professor of Dance at the Conservatory, State University (SU). He holds a Master of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Florida State University, where he studied and later taught. Howard is an interdisciplinary dance artist and educator whose work bridges contemporary dance, immersive art, and theatrical performance. His research focuses on architectural storytelling, collaborative devising processes, and narrative experimentation through movement. He has created choreography for opera, screendance, interactive installations, and dance theatre, including projects like "Hänsel und Gretel" and "Sandbox Dreams". "Blairsville" screendance project (Best Choreography, Toronto Experimental Dance & Music Film Festival) "Agnes & Agatha" (2024 Atlanta Fringe Festival) He has performed across 12 countries on three continents with The Tallahassee Ballet (2016–2020) and Celebrity Cruise Line, integrating global cultural influences into his practice.

• Applied Theatre
• Devised Theatre
• Physical Theatre
• +9 more

Sarah Berridge is a Senior Lecturer in Drama, Acting and Performance at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), College of Arts, Technology and Environment, with over 20 years of experience developing industry-relevant theatre workshops and leading interdisciplinary research. Her practice integrates artistic creation with academic innovation, collaborating extensively with UK community partners and institutions. Her educational qualifications include: PGCert in Psychology of Education, University of Bristol (2016) MA in European Dance Theatre Practice, Laban (2008) PGCE in Drama (1998) BA in Performing Arts, De Montfort University (1996) Research interests center on body-focused devising pedagogy, gesture, and presence, alongside experimental film-making and video art. She pioneers socially engaged climate action through theatre, co-founding UWE's Climate Theatre Action Group and using performance to address water security and community resilience. Her work bridges physical theatre, community partnerships, and environmental advocacy. As co-investigator on a UKRI ESRC-funded project exploring climate responses via applied theatre, she leads significant grant-supported research. Educational initiatives include: 'Drama Futures' Festival of Industry (2020-2023) with guest speakers and industry workshops 'Wellbeing in the Curriculum' research project (2020-2022) trialing wellbeing integration in drama education She also serves as Guest Curator for Exeter Dance International Film Festival (2021-present) and Academic Link Tutor at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (2021-2025), advising on curriculum development. Her artistic collaborations feature companies like M31 Dance Theatre, Acta Community Theatre, and Touchdown Dance, with video work exhibited at BBC Short Film Festival, Arnolfini, and Yorkshire Dance Festival.

Jennifer Ross NostralaView profile

Professor

• Theatre Arts
• Directing
• Playwriting
• +6 more

Jennifer Ross Nostrala is a Professor of Theatre Arts at Simpson College, where she also serves as Director of Women and Gender Studies and Director of Simpson Productions. She has over twenty-five years of experience in teaching and directing theatre at the collegiate level. Her educational background includes: M.F.A. in Directing, The University of Texas at Austin (1988) B.A. in Theatre Arts and Art, Simpson College (1985) Her research and teaching interests are centered in theatre directing, playwriting, acting, and script analysis , with a strong emphasis on women and gender studies and community-based performance . She developed a May Term course titled Agents of Change: Creating Change in the Community Through Performance , which engages students in creating performances around contemporary social issues such as sexual harassment and assault. Jennifer has received multiple recognitions for her artistic and academic contributions, including awards from KCACTF and grants from the Iowa Arts Council. Her leadership and mentorship are reflected in her campus roles and student-centered initiatives. Commendation for Directing and Choreography, Lysistrata Jones, KCACTF (2013) Commendation for Devised Work, Alice’s Trip, KCACTF (2012) Iowa Arts Council Grant for Fat Pig (2010) Commendation for Directing, Back Story, KCACTF (2009) Faculty Award for Campus Leadership, Simpson College (2008) Commendation for Directing, One Flea Spare, KCACTF (2006) Distinguished Teacher Award, Simpson College (2003) Iowa Arts Council Grant for travel to LaMama Umbria workshop, Italy (2001) Distinguished Junior Faculty Award, Simpson College (1998) She actively mentors students through her teaching and directing, integrating experiential learning and social justice themes. Jennifer has led numerous theatrical productions at Simpson College and with regional theatre companies, contributing to both academic and community arts engagement. She is also involved in programs related to violence prevention and campus leadership. She has directed productions such as Machinal (2021), Prospera’s Island (2020), The Magic Flute (2019), and Kiss Me, Kate (2019) at Simpson College. She has also directed for Iowa Stage Theatre Company, StageWest, Winterset Stage, Des Moines Social Club, and The Vortex in Austin, demonstrating a broad professional reach. She leads the Simpson Productions team and integrates student involvement in all aspects of production.

Michael JarosView profile

Associate Professor

• 20th Century Irish Culture in Performance
• Contemporary American Drama
• Dramaturgy
• +8 more

Michael Jaros is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at Salem State University, specializing in 20th-century Irish culture in performance and contemporary American drama. He holds a PhD in Drama and Theatre from the University of California, San Diego, an MPhil in Irish Theatre and Film from Trinity College, Dublin, and an MA in Theatre History from the University of Texas at Austin. Education: PhD in Drama and Theatre (2008), UC San Diego MPhil in Irish Theatre and Film (2004), Trinity College Dublin MA in Theatre History (2001), University of Texas at Austin His research explores intersections of Irish cultural identity, historical performance, and postmodern American drama. Publications analyze figures like Suzan-Lori Parks, Enda Walsh, and Charles Macklin, alongside studies of Irish political theatre, media iconography, and theatrical aesthetics. His recent and upcoming work includes a journal article on Parks’s Father Comes Home from the Wars (2020), a co-authored chapter on Evil Dead cult films (2019), and book reviews addressing race and historical representation in theatre (2016, 2018). He serves as faculty advisor to Salem State’s Student Theatre Ensemble and contributes dramaturgical expertise to the university’s theatre department.

Nathan StreifelView profile

Lecturer

• Acting
• Theatre Arts
• Improv
• +4 more

Nathan Streifel is a Lecturer at Western Washington University (WWU) and a multi-disciplinary creative based in Los Angeles. He works as an actor, writer, classical pianist, and songwriter, with a focus on fostering creative resilience and artistic authenticity in students. Education: BA in Theatre and Psychology from Western Washington University MFA in Acting from DePaul University His artistic practice spans television/film acting, digital comedy shorts, interactive media, and live performance. Key research interests include interdisciplinary collaboration, devising theatre, and cross-media storytelling. Notable Achievements: Won National College Improv Tournament with Dead Parrots Society Featured in TV shows like We Have a Ghost, The Other Two, and GLOW Play Bouquet showcased at Meet Cute LA Nathan maintains strong ties between WWU and Los Angeles creative communities while developing original projects like The Boy Who Hates Everything musical.

Emily K. HarrisonView profile

Assistant Professor

• American Theatre
• Theatre and Performance Studies
• Dramaturgy
• +3 more

Emily K. Harrison is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Hamilton College, where she contributes to academic and creative theatre practices. She founded and serves as the Producing Artistic Director of Square Product Theatre, a Boulder-based company renowned for innovative new works in American theatre. Her artistic and scholarly focus lies in exploring American mythology, violence, and disaster in performance, alongside dramaturgy and ensemble-based devising. Education : Ph.D. in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder; M.F.A. in Performance from the Savannah College of Art & Design; B.A. from Emerson College. Her research integrates experimental performance creation with critical analysis of cultural narratives. She has collaborated with institutions such as Buntport Theater, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and Brunel University London, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and community engagement. Harrison’s accolades include multiple grants from Colorado Creative Industries and Boulder County Arts Alliance, Kennedy Center Awards for directing and projection design, and recognition for teaching excellence. Her professional affiliations span Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Dramatists Guild of America, and Network of Ensemble Theaters.

• Theatre Education
• Performance Studies
• Disability Studies
• +7 more

Deric McNish is an Associate Professor at the Department of Theatre, Michigan State University , where he also serves as Associate Chair of Graduate Studies , CAL Director of Undergraduate Research , and Program Director for the MFA in Acting . A scholar-practitioner, he merges performance pedagogy with English language instruction and disability studies in theatre. PhD in Theatre from University of Colorado Boulder MFA in Acting from Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Play House His research focuses on: Performance-based approaches to language education Inclusive training for actors with disabilities Psychophysical acting methodologies Shakespearean accessibility through podcasting Cross-cultural theatre and climate advocacy Recent publication trends highlight interdisciplinary pedagogy, including co-authorship of Teaching With Drama (2023), articles on vocal scholarship, and contributions to the International Dialects of English Archive . Scientific awards and fellowships include: Fulbright Distinguished Scholar (2025-26) All-University Teacher-Scholar Award (2019) Dudley Knight Award for Vocal Scholarship (2016) AT&T Instructional Technology Award (2018) Deric mentors students in projects like the Ripple Effect climate collaboration with Bullfrogs Ballet and the Syllable of Recorded Time podcast. He directs productions at MSU and Summer Circle Theatre, emphasizing devised and socially engaged works.

• Devised performance
• Dramatic literature
• Dramaturgy
• +3 more

Nina Louise Morrison is a Lecturer in Theatre and Dance at the University of New Hampshire, specializing in devised performance, dramatic literature, dramaturgy, and playwriting. Her recent play The Vault , an ecogothic thriller exploring the Global Seed Vault, was developed through the Greenhouse Playlab collaboration between Flat Earth Theatre Company and the Boston Museum of Science. Education: MFA in Dramatic/Theatre Arts (Columbia University), BA (Oberlin College), and training at National Theatre Institute and New Actors Workshop Her creative work has been developed by institutions including Huntington Theatre Company, Project: Project, Fresh Ink Theatre Company, and Boston Playwrights Theatre. She has received prestigious fellowships such as the Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Fellow, Richard Rodgers Fellow, and Shubert Foundation funding. Scientific awards: Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Fellow, Huntington Playwriting Fellow, Richard Rodgers Fellow, Shubert Foundation grantee

Joe Louis RobinsonView profile

Lecturer

• Musical Theatre
• Music Direction
• Composition
• +3 more

Joe Louis Robinson is a Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the Diploma of Musical Theatre at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Edith Cowan University. As a music director, composer, and educator based in Perth since 2017, he specializes in sung voice technique, repertoire, music direction, and devising. Teaching areas: sung voice technique, repertoire, music direction, and devising Professional credits: Music supervisor for Soho Cinders (Charing Cross Theatre) and Iconic: A Brief History of Drag (Australia Tour); music director for productions at venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Southwark Playhouse His work spans international projects such as the world’s first virtual-reality production of Tosca (Relative Motion) and original compositions for video games like Link (Freeplay Award nominee). Robinson holds a Bachelor of Arts (2014) and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (2021). Awards: Freeplay Award nomination (2020) for Best Soundtrack Robinson is a member of the Australian Voice Association and has contributed to albums and theatrical productions across London, New York, and Perth.

Jeremy NeideckView profile

Lecturer

• Transcultural Performance
• Queer Performance Theory
• Embodied Actor Training
• +3 more

Dr Jeremy Neideck is a Lecturer and Course Coordinator of the Bachelor of Performing Arts at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), part of Edith Cowan University in Perth. With nearly two decades of experience working between Australia and Korea, he has established himself as a performance maker and academic specializing in transcultural performance practices. His academic work bridges the gap between scholarly research and creative practice in the performing arts. Dr Neideck's educational background includes a PhD from Queensland University of Technology (2016) with a thesis titled "The Fabric of Transcultural Collaboration," and a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Drama) from the same institution (2006). His research focuses on the interweaving of cultures in performance, the intersection of queer identities and theories in performance, and the modeling of new and inclusive social realities. His work integrates embodied performer training with Korean studies, particularly exploring p'ansori (Korean folk opera) and transcultural collaborations. Dr Neideck has developed a distinctive approach using Appreciative Inquiry in arts education, focusing on well-being, artistry, and personal agency in performer training. His creative works reveal a consistent exploration of transcultural dialogue, with projects like "Jiha Underground," "Deluge: 물의기억," and "심청 Shimchong: Daughter Overboard" examining cultural intersections between Korea and Australia. These works have been presented at major festivals including Brisbane Festival, Seoul International Dance Festival, and World Theatre Festival. QUT Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award (2016) Currency House / Copyright Agency Cultural Leadership Mentorship (2016) Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor's Fellowship for Young and Emerging Artists (2013) Asialink Residency (2013) As an educator, Dr Neideck supervises PhD candidates exploring topics like "Who is caring: investigating the intersection of movement and spoken text" and "Deep map cruising: locative performance through aural cartography." He has led significant research projects including "Fabulous Heroes: Building an open archive of queer hopes, dreams, and notions of a good life in contemporary Australia." His teaching spans courses in voice fundamentals, devising, theater workshop, stage combat, and creativity in the performing arts. Dr Neideck maintains active creative partnerships through Company Bad, which he co-founded, and has developed international collaborations with organizations in Korea and Singapore. His work regularly bridges academic research with community engagement, particularly through projects like Hello Project that create inclusive spaces for people with diverse abilities.

• Fat Studies
• Somatic Movement
• Community-Based Participatory Research
• +5 more

Carly-Ann Haney is an Assistant Professor (Teaching) at the Faculty of Social Work , University of Calgary. Her research bridges Fat Studies , Somatic Movement , and Community-Based Participatory Research , with a focus on rural healthcare systems and marginalized identities. Education : BSW and MSW from University of Calgary Professional Credentials : Registered Social Worker (Alberta College of Social Workers) Her recent publications explore multisensory methodologies , fat-disability intersections , and creative practices in research . She received the Teaching Excellence Award (Graduate Teaching) in 2024 and a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship in 2023. Scientific Awards : Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral (SSHRC, 2023) Teaching Excellence Award (Graduate Teaching, Faculty of Social Work, 2024)

Jeanne WillcoxonView profile

Visiting Assistant Professor

• Feminist Performance
• Applied Theatre
• Theatre Historiography

Jeanne Willcoxon is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Theater and Dance at Carleton College since 2022. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College, an acting degree from the American Repertory Theatre Institute at Harvard University, and M.A. and Ph.D. in theatre historiography from the University of Minnesota. Research focuses on feminist performance and applied theatre. Professional experience includes acting in New York City and regional productions. Previous teaching roles at St. Olaf College, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and Hamilton College. Teaches courses like Beginning Acting, Theater History and Theory, and Devised Theater and Collective Creation.

Ellen RosenbergView profile

Professor

• Creative Writing
• Theatre History
• Dramatic Literature
• +6 more

Ellen Rosenberg is a Professor of Humanities, Creative Writing, Theatre History, and Dramatic Literature in the Division of Liberal Arts at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). She integrates her expertise in creative process, psychobiography, and gender/ethnic issues into her teaching and professional practice, with a strong focus on Jewish and Yiddish theater traditions. PhD in English, Indiana University MFA in Acting, University of South Carolina MA in English, New York University BA in English, Long Island University Her research explores the intersections of ritual in theater, devised performance techniques, and cultural identity, alongside innovative pedagogical approaches that emphasize personal integrity and professional excellence. She has led institutional initiatives to elevate faculty development and directed The Kenan Writers’ Encounters, a visiting writers’ series at UNCSA. YIVO Foundation Scholarship Faculty Development competitive semester sabbatical UNCSA Award for Excellence in Teaching Rosenberg has secured over $250,000 in project grants, supporting her work in Yiddish language and theater training, as well as community-engaged theater workshops for educators and professionals. Her career spans roles in professional theater organizations like Actors Equity Association (AEA) and Art for Art's Sake, alongside certifications in child abuse prevention, standardized patient training, and small business entrepreneurship.

Peter SampieriView profile

Professor

• Theatre Directing
• Playwriting
• Performance Art
• +3 more

Peter Sampieri is a tenured Professor of Directing and Performance in the Department of Theatre and Speech Communication at Salem State University, where he has served for sixteen years with dual expertise in academic leadership and creative practice. His career integrates administrative excellence with professional artistry across stage and screen. His educational background includes: M.F.A. in Directing, Trinity Rep Conservatory B.A. in Theatre and English Literature (magna cum laude), St. Michael’s College Professor Sampieri’s research centers on transformative theatre practices, specializing in ensemble-based directing, original play development, and interdisciplinary performance. His creative scholarship manifests through world-premiere productions exploring social narratives, musical theatre innovation, and puppetry integration, with emphasis on bridging academic training and professional artistry. He champions student-driven creation through devised theatre methodologies and cross-cultural collaborations. His distinguished honors include: Pell Award Scholarship for Artistic Excellence (2002) Kennedy Center Outstanding Direction of a New Work (2014) Kennedy Center David Mark Cohen National Playwriting Award (2014) Kennedy Center Special Achievement in Directing (2020) O’Neill Playwriting Fellow (2014) Salem State Distinguished Teaching Award (2015) Whiting Fellowship (2017) As an academic mentor, Sampieri designed a peer-to-peer mentorship program achieving 97% student retention from 2011-2020 and has trained generations of theatre artists through courses like Directing I/II and Styles I/II. His grant-funded initiatives include consultancy for University of New Hampshire and Rhode Island School of Design’s Terra Carta Design Lab, plus successful development of four new degree programs approved by the MA Board of Higher Education. He actively collaborates with the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild as a regional judge and workshop facilitator, while maintaining artistic partnerships with Elemental Theatre Collective and serving as a guest artist at Finland’s National Theatre Academy. His leadership extends to Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival representation and SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers Society) membership.