معرفی
Alison Dobbins is a Professor of Integrated Performance Media Design in the Department of Theatre at Michigan State University's College of Arts & Letters. She directs innovative interdisciplinary projects that merge technology with traditional performance arts, collaborating with departments across MSU including Engineering & Computer Science, Education, Forestry, and Music.
Her research focuses on Integrated Media Performance Design, Projection Design for Theatre, and audience engagement through digital technology. Dobbins specializes in creating experiences where digital media transforms traditional performance spaces, particularly through projects that integrate dance, media, music, and computer science. Her work emphasizes STEAM education approaches that bridge artistic and technical disciplines.
Dobbins' publication history shows a consistent trajectory of research exploring how technology enhances audience participation and educational outcomes in performance contexts. Her work spans from audience engagement through mobile devices (2014) to teaching computer literacy through dance (2016) and comprehensive principles of projection design (2021).
- Service Learning & Civic Engagement Faculty Award (2017)
- Fintz Award for Teaching Excellence in the Arts and Humanities (2015)
Dobbins actively mentors students in interdisciplinary research, as evidenced by her multi-year collaboration with theatre major Jonas Higbee on interactive musicals. Her grant-funded projects like Theatre Engine and Dancing Computer demonstrate successful integration of arts and technology in educational settings, often involving partnerships with multiple institutions and community organizations through service learning initiatives.
She leads the Theatre Engine project (since 2010), an interdisciplinary initiative exploring audience engagement in dance through mobile applications, and co-leads Dancing Computer, which develops methods to teach dance and computer literacy to elementary students. Her BranchOut project creates interactive dance performances in natural environments that explore ecological concepts through artistic expression.
