Christine Woodworth

Christine Woodworth is a Professor of Theatre and Chair of the Theatre Department at Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS), where she has been a core faculty member since 2013. She holds a Ph.D. in Theatre and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies from Bowling Green State University, an M.A. in Theatre and Drama from Indiana University, and a B.A. in Speech & Theatre and English Literature from St. Lawrence University. Her academic home is the Department of Theatre within the School of Humanities and Sciences at HWS.

• Ph.D. in Theatre and Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies, Bowling Green State University, 2005
• M.A. in Theatre and Drama, Indiana University, 2001
• B.A. (summa cum laude) in Speech & Theatre, English Literature, St. Lawrence University, 1999

Her research centers on feminist theatre historiography, particularly the intersections of first-wave feminism, suffrage, reproductive politics, and performance. She has published extensively on activist actress Kitty Marion and explores how theatre functions as a site of social justice and historical reckoning. Her work bridges traditional scholarship with embodied practice, including aerial arts, Viewpoints, Suzuki, and physical theatre training.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on gender, labor, activism, and historical performance. Themes include suffrage theatre, theatrical labor, reproductive politics, class dynamics, and the representation of violence. Her scholarship appears in journals like Theatre History Studies, Theatre Symposium, and Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism, as well as in edited collections from university presses.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Safe Harbors Volunteer of the Year (2015)

Christine Woodworth advises undergraduate honors students and has mentored several, including Gretty Hollister and Austin Jennings on a local theatre history project. She has secured institutional and community support for public-facing scholarship, including NEH-funded initiatives, public lectures, and historical tours. Her service includes leadership as President of the Mid-America Theatre Conference and editorial roles for scholarly journals.

She is actively involved in community-based theatre and research, serving on the board of the Smith Opera House and creating public history projects such as the Finger Lakes Photo/Plays series. Her work exemplifies the integration of academic scholarship, artistic practice, and civic engagement.