John S. Gentile

John S. Gentile is a Professor at Kennesaw State University's College of the Arts, specializing in storytelling, solo performance, and adapting literary and folkloric texts for the stage. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Performance Studies from Northwestern University, an M.A. in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, and a B.A. in Dramatic Arts and English from SUNY Geneseo.

• Ph.D. Performance Studies, Northwestern University
• M.A. Mythological Studies, Pacifica Graduate Institute
• M.A. Performance Studies, Northwestern University
• B.A. Dramatic Arts and English, SUNY Geneseo

Gentile's research focuses on solo performance history, mythological narratives, and interdisciplinary storytelling. His work bridges theatre, folklore, and literary adaptation, with notable emphasis on the Chautauqua Movement and mythic storytelling traditions. He has presented at major academic conferences including the National Communication Association, Performance Studies International, and Southeastern Theatre Conference.

Throughout his career, Gentile has received multiple accolades for teaching and creative excellence, including the College of the Arts Distinguished Research and Creative Activity Award (2003, 2004) and the National Storytelling Network's Oracle Award (2011). His adaptation of Herman Melville's Moby-Dick earned critical acclaim, including the Casablanca Theatre Festival's Best Performance award (2009) and a Suzi Award nomination (2013).

• Editorial Roles: Founding co-editor of Storytelling, Self, Society, book reviews editor, guest editor for journal special issue on Storytelling and Myth; associate editor of Text and Performance Quarterly
• Leadership: Served as department chair for 12 years, expanding faculty and student enrollment while opening the Onyx Theatre
• Performance Highlights: Featured in international festivals including Edinburgh Fringe (1999), Casablanca Theatre Festival (2009), and Smock Alley Theatre (2017)