Michael F D'Alessandro

Michael F D'Alessandro is an Associate Professor of English and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. He also holds an Assistant Professor role in Theater Studies. Holding an M.F.A. from Yale and a Ph.D. from Boston University, his research focuses on 19th-century American literature and theater, particularly analyzing social class dynamics in cultural reception. His work explores topics like Authors’ Carnivals, parlor museums, and working-class theater experiences.

Education:

• Ph.D. in American Studies, Boston University (2014)
• M.F.A. in Dramaturgy, Yale University (2006)
• B.A. in English, Hamilton College (2002)

Research Interests: His scholarship bridges literary and theater history, emphasizing class analysis in popular culture. Key themes include:

• Sensationalist theater and melodrama
• Victorian-era freak shows and spectacle
• Literary reception and fan culture
• Antebellum social reform movements

Recognition: Notable awards include the Jan Thaddeus Teaching Prize (2017) and multiple fellowships from institutions like the Harry Ransom Center and Library Company of Philadelphia. His work has been featured in American Literary History and Theatre Survey.

Grants & Leadership:

• Principal Investigator for grants like "Staged Readings" (Massachusetts Historical Society) and "Plagues, Players, Playhouses" (Library Company)
• Directed undergraduate studies in English since 2024

Teaching: Courses span modern American drama, literary analysis, and visual studies. Recent offerings include ENGLISH 264S: Modern American Drama and THEATRST 265S: Modern American Drama.