Mike Franz

Mike Franz is an Instructional Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Mississippi's Department of Theatre & Film, housed within the College of Liberal Arts. He holds a Ph.D. in Theatre Studies from Florida State University (2022), an M.A. from Villanova University (2017), and a B.A. from DeSales University (2015). His research focuses on sport as performance, analyzing athletes' curated public personas in U.S. basketball, and 17th-century French playwright Molière's troupe dynamics. He serves as co-chair of the Theatre History Symposium for the Mid-America Theatre Conference (2023–2025).

• Education:
• B.A., Theatre, DeSales University (2015)
• M.A., Theatre, Villanova University (2017)
• Ph.D., Theatre Studies, Florida State University (2022)

Research explores intersections of sports and performance culture, including athlete branding, media representation, and historical theatrical practices. His monograph examines Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and others through 'performances of surrogation,' while his work on Molière highlights administrator Madeleine Béjart's influence on early modern theatre. He has presented at conferences like ASTR, MATC, and SLA.

Professional memberships include ASTR, MATC, ATHE, and ATDS. Teaches courses such as Theatre Appreciation (THEA 201). Office: Isom 110, Oxford campus.