Diana Cupşa

Diana Cupşa is an Associate Professor of Scenic Design and Head of the MFA Design Program at Tulane University's Department of Theatre and Dance, where she also serves as Director of Graduate Studies. She joined Tulane in Fall 2003 after teaching at the National University of Theatre and Film in Bucharest, Rhodes University, College of Charleston, and Wesleyan University.

Her educational background includes a PhD from the University of Bucharest.

Dr. Cupşa's research spans scenic and costume design for theatre, film, and television across Europe, Africa, and the United States. Her internationally exhibited work at the Prague Quadrennial and World Stage Design showcases innovative approaches to spatial storytelling and cross-cultural performance aesthetics. She authored the scholarly book Theatre in South Africa, reflecting her expertise in global theatre practices.

Her notable awards include:

• Two-time recipient of the South African FNB Vita Award
• Romanian Oradea Grand Award

As academic leader of Tulane's MFA Design Program, she mentors graduate students in design methodology while maintaining active professional collaborations with renowned directors including Ion Cojar, Sergiu Nicolaescu, Barney Simon, and Ron Jenkins across international production venues.