Sergio Costola

Sergio Costola serves as Professor of Theatre and Dean of the Faculty at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Bologna in Italy and completed his PhD at the University of California, Los Angeles. As Dean of the Faculty, Costola oversees academic operations while maintaining an active research profile in theatre history and performance studies. His dual role positions him at the intersection of academic administration and scholarly inquiry within the university's liberal arts framework.

• Bachelor of Arts, University of Bologna, Italy
• PhD, University of California, Los Angeles

Costola's research focuses on the historical construction of vision, particularly during the transition from medieval to early modern periods, with significant work on Renaissance performance practices. His scholarship demonstrates deep expertise in Commedia dell'Arte, evidenced by his publications Commedia dell'Arte Scenarios (2021) and The Dramaturgy of Commedia dell'Arte (2022, co-authored with Olly Crick). A major thread in his recent work examines Lucrezia Borgia's theatrical activities at the Este court, which he explores through diplomatic, gender, and performance lenses. He has also published on nineteenth-century African American theatre, particularly focusing on William Wells Brown's work.

Analysis of Costola's recent publications reveals a concentrated focus on Lucrezia Borgia's theatrical performances (2022-2024), demonstrating continuity in his research trajectory while expanding into diplomatic history. His work bridges historical theatre practices with contemporary educational concerns, as seen in his 2022 publication on theatre education during the pandemic. The scholarly trajectory shows increasing interdisciplinary connections, linking theatre history with diplomatic studies, gender studies, and digital humanities approaches to performance documentation.

Costola has demonstrated significant scholarly productivity through numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and authored/co-authored monographs. His editorial work includes Shakespeare in Succession: Translation and Time (2023, co-edited with Michael Saenger), highlighting his continued engagement with Shakespearean studies alongside his Renaissance Italian research focus.

As Dean of the Faculty, Costola oversees academic programs and faculty development while maintaining his own research agenda. His administrative role complements his scholarly interests in theatre education, as evidenced by his 2022 publication on pandemic-era teaching adaptations. He has supervised student research projects, including the GHOST Unit: The Live Event (2021-2022), and has participated in grant-funded initiatives such as the NEH Summer Seminar on Digital Technologies in Theatre and Performance Studies (2018).

Costola has been involved with professional theatre organizations including the Rhodopi International Theater Laboratory, where he served as Resident Dramaturg from 2007-2011. His practical theatre experience informs both his scholarly work and teaching, creating a bridge between academic research and professional practice. His dramaturgical work spans multiple productions at Southwestern University and international venues, demonstrating commitment to both scholarly and practical aspects of theatre.