Find Academic Supervisors

Molly FergusonView profile

Associate Professor

• Contemporary Irish Literature
• Gender Studies
• Folklore
• +4 more

Dr. Molly Ferguson is an Associate Professor of English and Affiliate Faculty in Women’s and Gender Studies at Ball State University. Her research focuses on contemporary Irish literature with emphases on gender, shame, and folklore reinterpretations. She contributes to interdisciplinary scholarship across Women’s Studies and Postcolonial Writing. PhD in English (University of Connecticut) MA in English (University of Connecticut) Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies (University of Connecticut) BA in English and Women’s Studies (Franklin & Marshall College) Her research interests include feminist reinterpretations of Irish folklore, queer narratives in contemporary Irish fiction, and the intersection of shame studies with narrative storytelling. Current projects include a book on feminist reimaginings of Irish folklore traditions. She also explores pedagogical innovations like integrating social media into feminist classrooms. Publications span journals such as New Hibernia Review , Irish University Review , and Journal of Postcolonial Writing , with thematic threads connecting migration narratives, urban fictions, and human rights in Irish theater. Her work bridges literary analysis with sociocultural critique, emphasizing marginalized voices and narrative subversion of traditional myths. Molly Ferguson has served as Graduate Recruitment Coordinator and maintains affiliations with Women’s and Gender Studies programs.

Eric Van TassellView profile

Assistant Professor

• Lighting design
• Sound design
• Production management
• +2 more

Eric Van Tassell serves as Assistant Professor of Lighting and Sound Design at Hope College, teaching in both the Department of Dance and Department of Theatre since joining the faculty in 2019. He instructs courses including Introduction to Theatre, Stage Production I, Dance Production, Theatre Crafts, and specialized labs in lighting and sound design while also serving as a designer and technician for numerous productions throughout the academic year. His educational background includes: MFA in Lighting Design and Technology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2018) B.A. in Theatre from Hope College (2006) Professor Van Tassell specializes in theatrical lighting and sound design with significant expertise in production management. His professional approach combines technical precision with artistic vision, developed through diverse experiences ranging from experimental storefront theaters to major national venues. His work demonstrates particular strength in creating atmospheric environments that enhance narrative and emotional impact across various theatrical genres, from classical adaptations to contemporary original works. He has established himself as particularly adept at translating complex themes into visual and auditory experiences that serve both performers and audiences. His award-winning portfolio demonstrates consistent excellence in lighting design across a wide range of productions, with notable recognition including the Wilde Award for Best One-Person Show (An Iliad, 2019) and selection for the Kennedy Center National College Dance Festival (2018). His professional honors include: Wilde Award for Best One-Person Show (An Iliad), 2019 Kennedy Center National College Dance Festival selection, 2018 Non-Equity Jeff Award for Best Play (The Mother), 2014 BroadwayWorld Chicago Award Nominee for Non-Equity Lighting Design Andes Award for Favorite Lighting Design (Meadow Brook Theatre) Professor Van Tassell is deeply committed to student development, training emerging technicians and designers both in classroom settings and through practical production experience as co-leader of the Arts Technical Staff. He provides individual mentorship on specific projects, fostering hands-on learning that bridges academic theory with professional practice. His extensive industry connections, developed through 15 years of professional work at venues including The Kennedy Center, provide valuable networking opportunities for students. As a core member of Hope College's production teams, he collaborates with faculty and staff across departments to realize ambitious theatrical visions. His dual appointment in both Dance and Theatre departments positions him uniquely to create integrated design solutions that serve the distinctive needs of both disciplines while maintaining cohesive artistic vision across productions.

Joonhee ChoiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Quantum Computing
• Quantum Information Science
• Quantum Metrology
• +6 more

Joonhee Choi is an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University, where he leads the Choi Research Group focused on quantum science and engineering. His work bridges fundamental quantum physics with practical quantum technology applications. Education: PhD in Applied Physics, Harvard University AM in Physics, Harvard University BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) Professor Choi's research focuses on engineering quantum many-body systems to explore fundamental quantum phenomena while developing practical quantum applications. His work spans multiple disciplines within quantum science, with particular emphasis on improving quantum device fidelity through novel error-robust control protocols and efficient characterization methods. He investigates both atomic and solid-state quantum systems, working to advance quantum simulation, metrology, and information processing capabilities. His group develops large-scale quantum devices that push the boundaries of what's possible in quantum technology. Analysis of Professor Choi's recent publications reveals a strong focus on quantum error correction techniques, particularly erasure conversion methods that significantly improve quantum device performance. His work spans multiple quantum platforms including optical tweezers with neutral atoms, Rydberg atom arrays, and solid-state systems like diamond vacancy centers. A consistent theme across his research is the development of practical methods to characterize, control, and improve quantum systems for real-world applications in computing, sensing, and communication. Scientific Awards: Terman Fellowship, Stanford University (2023) Outstanding Young Researcher Award, The Association of Korean Physicists in America (2021) IQIM Postdoctoral Fellowship, Caltech (2019-2022) Samsung Fellowship, Samsung (2013-2018) Professor Choi actively mentors numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at Stanford. He serves as Doctoral Dissertation Advisor for Timothy Chang and Nick Gharabaghi, and as Doctoral Dissertation Reader for twelve PhD students. Additionally, he advises seven Master's students and sponsors postdoctoral researcher Tsz Him Leung. His teaching portfolio includes core courses in quantum mechanics, quantum control, and photonics, reflecting his expertise in both theoretical and experimental aspects of quantum engineering. The Choi Research Group at Stanford focuses on developing and engineering large-scale quantum devices using both atomic and solid-state systems. The lab's work centers on devising novel protocols for error-robust quantum control and efficient characterization that enable certified quantum operations. Current research directions include quantum simulation with Rydberg atom arrays, quantum metrology with optical clock systems, and quantum information processing with solid-state qubits. The group collaborates extensively with other researchers in quantum science both within Stanford and across institutions.

Lazlo PearlmanView profile

Lecturer

• Performance Art
• Gender Studies
• Transgender Studies
• +6 more

Dr. Lazlo Ilya Pearlman serves as a Lecturer in the Theatre and Dance Department within the College of Arts and Sciences at Santa Clara University. His academic and artistic work uniquely bridges performance practice with philosophical inquiry, focusing on intersections of identity, gender, and cultural expression through the lens of his Queer, Jewish, and Trans experiences. Dr. Pearlman holds a PhD in performance practice and philosophy from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and an MFA in physical theatre. His educational background forms the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach that challenges conventional boundaries between theory and practice. Dr. Pearlman's research centers on transgender visual and performance cultures, examining how trans bodies disrupt and reshape theatrical conventions. His scholarship engages deeply with queer theory, gender studies, and performance philosophy to explore identity construction, embodiment, and perception. He investigates the critical tension between visibility and visuality in performance, questioning how trans bodies function simultaneously as sites of normative reinforcement and radical disruption. His work challenges traditional actor training methodologies, particularly regarding trans, gender nonconforming, and queer performers, advocating for approaches that move beyond explanatory narratives of trans identity. His publications reveal a sophisticated trajectory from analyzing specific performance traditions through gender lenses to developing comprehensive theoretical frameworks for understanding 'transing visualities.' His forthcoming book represents the culmination of this intellectual journey, combining memoir, performance theory, and visual culture studies to articulate how trans bodies navigate and transform cultural expectations around gender presentation. Dr. Pearlman has presented his research at international conferences including the International Federation of Theatre Researchers (IFTR) Queer Futures Working Group since 2013, with presentations spanning Belgrade, Sweden, Hyderabad, Warwick, and Barcelona. He has conducted workshops and lectures on performance and identity across North America, the EU, and the UK. His teaching at Santa Clara University encompasses Contemporary Theatre practice, actor training, devising, physical theatre, political cabaret, and performance art. His creative work includes the visual art project 'Tamishey Mitzvah,' performance pieces like 'He Was a Sailor, the Sea Was Inside Him' and 'Madame Pierre's Other Tongue,' and films such as 'Unhung Heroes' and 'Fake Orgasm.'

Evi StamatiouView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Acting
• Actor Training
• Inclusive pedagogies
• +3 more

Dr Evi Stamatiou serves as Senior Lecturer in Acting for Stage and Screen and Course Leader for the MA/MFA program at the University of East London's School of Arts and Creative Industries, leveraging over two decades of international experience as a practitioner-researcher in actor training. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Actor Training and Direction from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (2013-2021), MA in Theatre Directing from UEL, MA in Arts Policy and Management from Birkbeck College, and certificates in Filmmaking and Acting for Film from the New York Film Academy. Her research pioneers critical acting pedagogy through intersectional frameworks, focusing on decolonizing methodologies, anti-racist praxis, inclusive techniques for second-language actors, and social representation analysis in comedy. This work directly challenges traditional canons while developing innovative studio practices. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2024) reveals consistent thematic evolution toward decentering power structures in actor training, with increasing emphasis on intersectionality, pandemic-era adaptation, and screen-specific methodologies – all grounded in materialist and feminist theoretical approaches. Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy International awards for creative work Significant research funding for transnational projects As Chair of the Acting Programme at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education and Convener of TaPRA's Performer Training Focus Group, she leads sector-wide initiatives. Her transatlantic pandemic collaboration developed verbatim theater methodologies while directing the forthcoming Critical Acting Pedagogy: Intersectional Approaches (Routledge, 2024).

Jonathan YukichView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Playwriting
• Theater Directing
• Dramatic Literature
• +6 more

Jonathan Yukich serves as a Senior Lecturer and Co-Coordinator of Theater within the Department of Music, Theater, and Dance at the University of New Haven's College of Arts and Sciences. With over ten years of dedicated service, he has directed acclaimed productions including The Wolves , Cabaret , and Alice@Wonderland , and plays a pivotal role in shaping the theater program through his leadership and artistic vision. His educational foundation includes advanced training in theater: M.F.A. from Indiana University B.A. from the University of Alabama Yukich's research and creative work centers on playwriting, theater directing, and dramatic literature, with emphasis on contemporary adaptations and new play development. His scholarship bridges academic rigor and practical theater-making, exploring innovative approaches to script analysis, devising theater, and arts journalism. He is renowned for reimagining classic texts like Lewis Carroll's works for modern audiences, demonstrating how historical narratives can address current social contexts. His publication record (2009-2023) reveals consistent innovation across diverse theatrical forms, from full-length musicals to ten-minute plays. Key trends include modern reinterpretations of literary classics, socially conscious drama addressing identity and politics, and experimental short-form works designed for educational settings. These publications span subfields including satire, gothic theater, musical comedy, and eco-drama, reflecting his versatility as both scholar and practitioner. Yukich's contributions have been honored with prestigious awards: Kennedy Center’s Paula Vogel Award for Playwriting Shubert Fendrich Award He actively mentors emerging talent through the biennial Student New Works Festival, which he advises and coordinates, providing critical platform for student playwrights. His commitment to student development extends to directing numerous university productions and guiding original student works featured in events like New York City's Dream Up Festival. As Co-Coordinator of Theater, Yukich leads collaborative production teams that generate the department's annual season, fostering a dynamic creative environment where academic study meets professional theater practice.

Ashley ButlerView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Devised Theatre
• Movement for Actors
• Theatre for Social Change
• +1 more

Ashley Butler is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre & Dance at Auburn University, specializing in acting, directing, and movement training. She holds an MFA from Ohio University and BFA from Auburn University. Teaching and creative work focuses on: Devised and site-specific theatre Movement-based performance Musical theatre direction Cross-disciplinary pedagogies Directing credits include productions of 'Orlando', 'Monstersongs', and 'Pippin'. Professional service includes roles as Vice Chair of the College/University division of the Alabama Conference of Theatre and membership in ATHE and SETC.

Lee MillerView profile

Professor

• Practice as Research
• Audience-Performer Dynamics
• Collaborative Devising
• +2 more

Lee Miller is Professor of Performance and Head of Postgraduate Research at Falmouth University. His career focuses on practice-as-research methodologies and audience-performer relationships in contemporary performance. Research explores: Affective gaps between audiences and performers Collaborative knowledge generation Extended reality applications in live performance Site-specific and body-based practices As editor of Choreographic Practices , he supports global dance scholarship. He has supervised five PhD completions (all practice-as-research projects) and examined eight doctoral candidates, contributing to AHRC-funded 3D3 Centre for Doctoral Training and Erasmus-funded Artistic Doctorates in Europe initiatives. Education includes: PhD, Motorway as Site of Performance, Manchester Metropolitan University (2004) MA Contemporary Theatre Practice, Lancaster University (1998) BA(Hons) History & Theatre Studies, University of Liverpool (1994)

• Contemporary Performance
• Devised Theatre
• Clowning Practices
• +3 more

Dr. Richard Cuming is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Performing Arts at the University of Winchester. His teaching focuses on contemporary performance theories and practices, integrating his practice-based research in clowning, circus, and street arts into undergraduate and postgraduate programs. He is currently a PhD candidate researching the contemporary clown's relationship with institutional practices. Professional Affiliations: Chair of Platform 4 Theatre Company, Editorial Member of Total Theatre Magazine, Associate Artist with La Companie Sac à Dos (Belgium), Steering Committee Member of Winchester Hat Fair. Research Interests: Devised performance in non-traditional spaces, cross-disciplinary collaborations, institutional impact on clowning practices, prison drama, and applied theatre. Notable projects include 'The Village Fete' (2009) and serving as clown dramaturg for a prison-based production of Ubu Roi (2007). Performance Career: 32-year practitioner in clowning (Zippo & Co), physical theatre, and circus arts with West End experience. Extensive international touring and radio/TV appearances between 1978-2000.

Millie TaylorView profile

Professor

• Musical Theatre History
• Performance Analysis
• Pantomime Performance
• +4 more

Millie Taylor is a Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester's School of Performing Arts. With a freelance career spanning decades in musical direction for productions like West Side Story and Sweeney Todd , she holds an MA in Theatre Practice and PhD in Drama and Music from Exeter University. Her research focuses on the intersections of music and theatre, particularly in British pantomime and musical theatre history. Key publications include Theatre Music and Sound at the RSC (2019) and British Pantomime Performance (2007). She has received grants from the British Academy and Society for Theatre Research. Taylor supervises PhD students in areas like pantomime politics, queer representation in musicals, and performance agency in devised works. Her academic memberships include the International Federation of Theatre Researchers and the British Musical Theatre Research Institute. Recent lectures include keynote talks on musical collaborations at the Royal Shakespeare Company and cognitive responses to well-known songs in live performance.

Andrew VisnevskiView profile

Research Fellow

• Theatre Directing
• Physical Theatre
• Classical Drama
• +3 more

Andrew Visnevski is an Honorary Research Fellow at Queen Mary University of London and Head of MA Courses at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). He holds a Research Fellow appointment focused on exploring the intersection of early modern poetic drama and physical actor training. Trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, his career spans over four decades as a theatre director, educator, and innovator. Key roles include founding The Cherub Company London (1978–2003), a pioneering ensemble in text-based physical theatre, and leading RADA's MA Theatre Lab. His work emphasizes reinterpretation of classical and continental plays, such as Shakespeare, Brecht, and Kafka, with a focus on actor liberation and cross-cultural collaboration. Educational Background: Trained in acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama (1973–76) Research & Practice: His research explores the tension between textual interpretation and physical performance, particularly in early modern drama. Notable projects include Macbeth. A Dialogue (2016) and Opium (2017), blending text, movement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He has directed over 30 productions internationally, including works in Greece, Poland, Israel, and the Netherlands. Awards & Recognition: Member of the European Academy of Sciences and the Arts (2004–present) Award-winning adaptations of Kafka’s The Trial and Brecht’s The Life of Edward II Teaching & Mentorship: He has mentored emerging artists through RADA’s MA programs and Theatre Alive!, fostering innovation in actor training and devised theatre. Collaborations include working with Joshua Sobol and Jan Fabre, integrating global theatrical traditions into contemporary practice. Key Institutions: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (MA Course Leadership) Queen Mary University London (Honorary Research Fellowship) The Cherub Company London (Founder, 1978–2003)

• Directing
• Performance Devising
• Opera History
• +7 more

Claudia Rene Wier is an Associate Professor of Teaching in the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts and Music at The Ohio State University. She holds a PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies from York University and has extensive professional experience as a lyric soprano and stage director in Germany. Her research focuses on 17th-century Venetian opera, operatic divas like Anna Renzi, and warrior queen roles in opera. Education: PhD (York University), MFA (Eastern Michigan), MA (Bowling Green), MM (Bowling Green), BA (University of New Mexico). She completed a DAAD Scholarship internship in Berlin and was an Ontario Trillium Scholarship Fellow. Research interests include opera history, directing, performance devising, and voice/movement training. Her work bridges historical performance studies with contemporary theatrical practices. She has published in Theatre Survey on Handel's operas and early operatic celebrity. Awards: DAAD Scholarship, Ontario Trillium Fellowship, York University Provost Dissertation Fellowship. Teaching focuses on music and theatre, combining academic rigor with practical vocal and movement training. She is a certified trainer in Lessac Voice and Movement techniques.

Monica AndersonView profile

Professor

• Theatre Studies
• Performance Studies
• Shakespeare Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Monica Anderson is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Fine Arts at Franciscan University of Steubenville. She has held leadership roles since 2003, including founding the Department of Fine Arts in 2007-08. Her teaching focuses on Theatre History, Literature, Dramatic Theory, and Directing. Her research emphasizes devised theatre and Shakespeare in performance, complemented by training at Shakespeare & Company. She is actively involved in the Association for Theatre in Higher Education and the National Communication Association (NCA), where she served as an officer of the NCA Theatre Division. Dr. Anderson has directed notable productions of Shakespeare’s *The Winter’s Tale*, *Coriolanus*, Molière’s *The Bourgeois Gentleman*, and modern works like *You Can’t Take It With You* and *Kindertransport*. Her awards include the 2014 NCA Lifetime Achievement Award for Artistic Scholarship and Leadership, and two Excellence in Teaching Awards (2000 and 2015). She has contributed to theatre education through grants and leadership, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in performance studies. Her work bridges classical and contemporary theatre practices, emphasizing artistic innovation and scholarly rigor.

Mark Love-SmithView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Devised and Physical Theatre
• Community Theatre
• Performance and Social Media
• +3 more

Dr. Mark Love-Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Theatre at the School of Arts and Creative Technologies, University of York, and Programme Leader for the BA in Writing, Directing, and Performance since 2023. He joined the institution full-time in 2017 after completing his PhD and MA in Theatre there and serving as an Associate Lecturer. Previously, he lectured in Drama at the University of Salford (2016–2017). Research Focus: Devised and physical theatre, community theatre, performance and social media, and the interplay of writing, directing, and dramaturgy. Key Contributions: Co-authored Frantic Assembly (2021) and co-edited Research and Development in British Theatre (2025), exploring methodologies like Battersea Arts Centre’s 'scratch' process. Practice: Directed The Murder of Gonzago (2025 UK premiere), meet Me at Dawn (2019), and Twelfth Night (2014) at York Theatre Royal Studio and Stratford. Education: PhD and MA in Theatre from the University of York. His recent publications and conference presentations (2015–2025) examine community theatre’s socio-political dimensions, digital spectatorship, and R&D practices. He also serves as Yorkshire editor for the British Theatre Guide and supervises student projects at undergraduate, MA, and PhD levels.

• Performance Art
• Theatre
• Memory Studies
• +3 more

David Richmond is a Senior Lecturer in Drama and Theatre at York St John University's School of the Arts, serving as Learning and Teaching Lead and Senior Teaching Fellow. His career spans 30+ years in experimental performance, collaboration, and pedagogy. He co-founded Pants Performance Association and has collaborated extensively with Jules Dorey Richmond on works addressing memory, trauma, and cultural heritage. Key projects include the 'Theatre of Witness' series engaging WWII veterans and survivors, and the module Artist as Witness , which explores the Shoah’s impact through performance. Richmond’s research focuses on testimony, memory, and collaborative creation, including annual student-led performances post-Auschwitz study visits. His works like Terrorists of the Heart and Slipping Away Education and Collaboration: - Collaborative partner with Jules Dorey Richmond (25+ years) - Former member of Pants Performance Association (1989–2000s) - Worked with Theatre of Public Works, Collectif Organum, and Daniel Reeves (Emmy-winning filmmaker) - Conducted workshops for the European Council on youth violence prevention Research & Teaching: - Artist as Witness module (Level 2) - Annual Auschwitz study visits for students - Developed Devised Theatre: a Beginner’s Guide for educational use - Keynote speaker at international conferences (e.g., TAPRA, Caos Terni) Notable Projects: Burnt Offering (1998): Site-specific installation at Auschwitz Terrorists of the Heart : Dual narrative of personal/familial history and political critique Perdu (film project with Daniel Reeves exploring post-war trauma) Labs/Teams: - Co-leads interdisciplinary collaborations between drama, dance, and critical studies at York St John - Member of York St John’s Holocaust Education Network