Kyle Frisina

Kyle Frisina is an Assistant Professor of English at the College of the Holy Cross, specializing in 20th-21st century American drama, performance studies, and autotheory. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. His research explores intersections between theatrical form, civic engagement, and contemporary literary practices. Recent publications include analyses of Paula Vogel’s plays in Avidly, contributions to ASAP/J on public humanities, and studies of African American drama in Modern Drama. Courses taught include 20th/21st Century American Drama and Shakespeare Studies. Prior to academia, he served as Director of Play Development at Second Stage Theater and Associate Producer at New York Stage and Film, bridging scholarly and professional theater work. His writing also appears in Theatre Journal and MLN: Comparative Literature.

Research interests emphasize the affordances of theatrical form in civic life, with a focus on autotheory and Black playwriting. Collaborative projects include co-editing the Public Humanities and the Arts of the Present cluster, examining how universities engage with creative practitioners beyond traditional academic frameworks.