Jen Harvie

Professor Jen Harvie is a leading scholar in contemporary theatre and performance studies at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). She holds a BA from McGill University, an MA from the University of Guelph, and a PhD from the University of Glasgow. Her research focuses on the cultural politics of performance, feminism, and the intersection of performance with urban spaces and neoliberalism. She has held roles including Head of Drama at QMUL and Director of Research in the School of English and Drama, and currently leads Graduate Taught Programmes in Drama.

Education:

• BA in Drama, McGill University (Montreal)
• MA in Drama, University of Guelph
• PhD in Drama, University of Glasgow

Research Interests: Harvie’s work examines how performance engages with cultural, political, and economic systems. Key themes include feminist performance, the impact of austerity on the arts, and the role of performance in urban contexts. Her monographs include Staging the UK (2005) and Fair Play – Art, Performance and Neoliberalism (2013), and she co-edits the Theatre & book series with Palgrave Macmillan/Bloomsbury.

Engagement & Awards: She was a Specialist Advisor to the UK House of Lords on theatre industry skills (2017) and received a British Academy Fellowship (2011–2014). Her work has been recognized with awards including the ASTR Essay in Criticism Prize and the Richard Plant Essay Prize. She actively contributes to public discourse through podcasts, radio appearances, and collaborations with institutions like the Tate Modern and Live Art Development Agency.

Grants & Mentorship: Harvie has mentored postdoctoral researchers and examined PhDs across multiple institutions. She has reviewed for the AHRC, SSHRC, and other national/international funding bodies. Her editorial work includes roles with Contemporary Theatre Review and Theatre Journal.

Labs/Teams: She collaborates with artists and institutions on projects exploring performance’s role in societal issues, such as the housing crisis and feminist activism. Her podcast Stage Left features interviews with performance practitioners.