Sarah O'Brien

Dr Sarah O'Brien is the Associate Head of School (Performance) at York St John University's School of the Arts. She holds an MA in Contemporary Theatre Practice and a PhD in Performance from Lancaster University. Her research explores digital media, Gothic aesthetics, audience engagement, and interdisciplinary performance practices. She has taught theatre and performance since 2005, including roles as an external examiner and reviewer across UK universities.

Her creative work includes directing plays like 'Do as I Do, My Love' (2018) and participatory installations such as 'Empathy' (2013). She has presented at international conferences, including the Digital Research in the Humanities and Arts (2019) and the IFTR World Congress (2018). Her research often intersects with sociology, design, and technology, emphasizing collaborative and experimental methods.

Professional recognitions include being a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She supervises postgraduate research and contributes to academic innovation through projects like the 'Gift Give Project' (2016) and interdisciplinary conferences on performance and research methods.