Irwin Appel

Irwin Appel is a Professor of Theater at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He has served as Chair of the Department of Theater and Dance and Director of the BFA Actor Training Program, the only BFA in Acting within the UC system. His expertise spans acting, directing, and Shakespeare education.

Education:

• Diploma (MFA equivalent), Juilliard School
• A.B. English and Theater, Princeton University

Research & Projects:

• Founder and Artistic Director of Naked Shakes, producing Shakespeare adaptations globally since 2006.
• Created major works like The Death of Kings and Immortal Longings, performed internationally.
• Current Visiting Professor at Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland, directing a new edition of The Death of Kings.

Teaching:

• Teaches BFA Acting, Directing, and Shakespeare courses.
• Co-teaches Experiencing Shakespeare (INT 35LT), an interdisciplinary course blending performance, literature, and history.

International Work:

• Collaborates with theaters in the Czech Republic, Armenia, Poland, Hungary, and others.
• Performed roles like Sir John Falstaff and Pandarus in Europe.