Tony Gardner

Tony Gardner is a Lecturer at the School of Performance and Cultural Industries, University of Leeds, specializing in contemporary performance, live art, and 20th-century French theatre, particularly the work of Antonin Artaud. He joined the university in 2004 after teaching at the University of Hull and completing his PhD at the University of Manchester on Artaud's affective athleticism. His research explores intersections of performance, time theory, and information art, including algorithmic art and AI in creative practices.

• PhD in Drama, University of Manchester (2000)
• MA in Drama by Research, University of Kent
• BA in Drama and Theatre Studies (Directing), University of Kent

Gardner has supervised PhD students on topics including trauma in live art, Oulipo techniques in performance, and European laboratory theatre history. He champions ensemble-based teaching methods to foster student-led performance companies and served as Programme Leader for BA Theatre & Performance twice. His practical work integrates studio-based pedagogy and professional mentoring schemes.