معرفی
Bobby Smith is an Associate Professor of Theatre and Performance at the University of Warwick, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and the Department of Theatre and Performance. His work bridges academic research and community-driven art, focusing on socially engaged performance to address global challenges such as the climate crisis, peacebuilding, and refugee rights. He coordinates the MA Applied Theatre: Arts, Action, Change program and teaches undergraduate modules like 'On Its Feet,' which collaborates with external artists. His administrative roles include Director of Postgraduate Taught Programmes in the School of Culture, Film and Media.
Smith holds a PhD in Drama from the University of Manchester, an MA in Theatre and Global Development from the University of Leeds, and a BA in Drama from Central School of Speech and Drama. His research explores applied theatre's role in fostering global solidarity, with projects in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Northern Ireland. He is a co-editor of Applied Theatre Research and has published widely on theatre in development contexts and climate activism.
Key research interests include:
- Climate crisis education and cross-cultural collaboration
- Peacebuilding through performance in post-conflict regions
- Global development frameworks and applied theatre ethics
Recent projects include the Acting on Climate collective, focusing on youth eco-citizenship, and the AHRC-funded Stages of Violence network. His work often involves partnerships with artists, NGOs, and communities to co-create impactful performances addressing social issues.
Awards include a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. He has secured over £150,000 in grants for climate-related and peacebuilding initiatives, including AHRC and British Academy funding. Current PhD supervision covers neurodiversity in applied theatre, climate justice in Nigeria, and refugee participation in the UK.
Bobby's teaching emphasizes practical collaboration, such as student projects with Stan’s Cafe to adapt theatrical works exploring university finances. He also leads workshops and resources for charities, blending artistic creativity with social action.
