Barbara Cassidy

Barbara Cassidy is an Adjunct Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of the City University of New York (CUNY), where she teaches courses in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program (ISP) and the Anthropology department, including ISP 334 Seeing Rape and ANT 210 Sex and Culture. Her work bridges theater and social justice, focusing on gender, violence, and philosophical inquiry.

• Education: M.F.A. in Playwriting from Brooklyn College (2002) and B.A. in English Literature from Brooklyn College (1996).

Her research explores the intersection of Gender Justice, Sexual Violence, and Theater, using performance as a tool to address systemic issues in Criminal Justice. She co-created the SEEING RAPE program, which integrates multidisciplinary studies with playwriting to amplify voices of survivors. Her creative practice spans venues like The Flea Theater, Playwrights Horizons, and Dixon Place, with recognition such as the Barrie Stavis Award nomination.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2018 SuCasa Grant from Brooklyn Arts Council
  • 2018 SPARC Grant from Lower Manhattan Cultural Council
  • Beatrice Terry Residency (semi-finalist) 2018
  • HB Studio Resident 2016 (with Amie Hartman and Sarah Buff)
  • MacDowell Fellowship 2015
  • Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Workspace Resident 2010-2011

A proud member of the Dramatists Guild and a New Georges Affiliated Artist, she mentors students and develops projects like I AM NOT A TERRORIST, an Irish American narrative. Her collaborations include residencies at HB Studio (2016) and the Gerald Lynch Theater, where select student plays are professionally staged.