Eli Simon

Eli Simon is a Chancellor's Professor of Drama at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, University of California, Irvine, with 35 years of service. He founded and serves as Artistic Director of the New Swan Shakespeare Festival and co-directs the New Swan Shakespeare Center. His expertise spans acting, directing, Shakespeare, clowning, and commedia dell'arte.

He authored The Art of Clowning and Masking Unmasked, detailing performance techniques. Awards include Theater Man of the Year (2017) for contributions to regional theater. His international work includes directing productions in South Korea, Italy, and Spain.