Cristal Chanelle Truscott

Dr. Cristal Chanelle Truscott is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre at Northwestern University's School of Communication. Rooted in Black performance traditions, her SoulWork methodology integrates ancestral knowledge and contemporary consciousness to nurture artists through culturally responsive studio practices. Her areas of expertise include Acting, Directing, Black studies, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

• PhD in Performance Studies, NYU Tisch School of the Arts
• MA in Performance Studies, NYU Tisch
• BFA in Theatre with minor in Africana Studies, NYU Tisch Experimental Theatre Wing

Dr. Truscott's research focuses on oral traditions, cultural knowledge, and community practices as performance methodologies for inclusive artist training and liberation-oriented programming. She develops the Cultural Conservatory theory, which examines spiritual diversity in African American Theatre and art's role in social justice movements.

• Doris Duke Impact Artist Award
• United States Artist Award
• Creative Capital Award
• NEFA National Theatre Project Grant
• MAP Fund Award

As founder of Progress Theatre and SoulWork Studio, she creates a capella musicals called NeoSpirituals that blend African American cultural practices with Hip Hop and Blues to envision equitable futures. Her editorial roles include assistant editor for TDR: The Drama Review and associate editor for Azizah Magazine.