Teresa Durbin
 (419) 289-5821 (o)
e-mail: tdurbin@ashland.edu

EDUCATION

    Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre - 2000
        Bowling Green State University    
        “Sibling Relationships in Selected Twentieth-Century American Plays with Three Sisters”    
              
    Master of Arts in Theatre - 1991    
        Bowling Green State University    
         “The Function of the Chorus in Musical Theatre: 1970-1990”
                              
    Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - 1989   w/Secondary Certification        
         John Carroll University
    

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Ashland University   -  Assistant Professor     Fall 2000 -  Present
Courses Taught

Theatre History I, II & III
A three-semester course sequence which examines the history, literature and criticism of theatre. First semester includes the Greeks through the Italian Renaissance, second semester includes the English Renaissance through 1875, third semester includes 1875 to the present.  Texts: Living Theatre by Wilson & Goldfarb, Stages of Drama by Klaus, Gilbert & Field, Harcourt Brace Anthology of Drama by Worthen.
Dramatic Criticism & Structure
This course examines the structure of plays and characteristics of genre.  Representative plays are read and analyzed using various methods and approaches. Texts:  Understanding Plays by Barranger, Backwards and Forwards by Ball, The Harcourt Brace Anthology of Drama by Worthen.
Introduction to Theatre
This course introduces students to the aesthetics of theatre stressing the roles of the artists and participants who create theatre.  Representative plays are read and viewed to illustrate and discuss the roles of each participant.
Texts: Plays for the Theatre by Brockett and Ball, Divide the Living Child by Baum, The Cherry Orchard by Chekhov.
Theatre Aesthetics
This course examines how theatre artists suggest meaning and invite interpretation of the human experience.  Evaluative criteria are identified and used to discuss the aesthetics of theatre.  Representative contemporary plays are read and discussed.  The roles of the artists who create theatre are discussed. Texts: The Creative Spirit by Arnold, The Memory of Water by Stephenson.
Musical Theatre Workshop
This course provides students with an opportunity to further develop knowledge of musical theatre and work on potential audition materials.  Students receive one-on-one coaching on songs.   Text:  Auditioning for the Musical Theatre by Silver.
Professional Aspects
This course helps students prepare for professional work or graduate study in theatre.  Resumes, cover letters and other aspects of working in professional theatre are discussed.
Introduction to University Life
A 1 hour required course for all first year students.  The course helps students become active, committed members of a learning community.  Part orientation to campus traditions, events and organizations and part exploration of critical thinking.  The registration process, selection of major and four-year-plans are discussed.  Instructor serves as advisor for students in class until a major is declared.
Performance Studies
This course investigates what constitutes performance and how performance can be viewed as an aesthetic experience.  The course includes an emphasis on performance in everyday life, as well as aesthetic performance of both literary and nonliterary texts.  Techniques involving textual analysis, use of voice and body for solo performance, and audience adaptation are used. Text: Performance Studies: The Interpretation of Aesthetic Texts by Pelias.


Bowling Green State University      Teaching Fellow, 1989-1991 and 1997-1999
Courses Taught

Performance Studies I  - 3 Semesters
A multi-section course where professor lectured once a week.  As a small group instructor, I met with students twice a week.  I was responsible for coaching students in solo performance of poetry and oral history, grading written analysis assignments and performance reviews and instructing class in vocal and physical techniques for performance.  Texts: Performing Literature by Long & Hopkins, Spoon River Anthology by Masters.        
The Theatre Experience - 2 Semesters                    
For one semester a uniform syllabus was used by all instructors for this introduction to theatre course.  During the second semester, I created my own syllabus.  Responsibilities included lesson plans, lectures, class activities and discussions, grading of written and performance assignments.  Texts: Theatre: Brief Edition and Twelve Plays for Theatre by Cohen, The Theatrical Imagination by Huberman, Ludwig & Pope, A Pocketful of Plays by Madden.
Introduction to Film - 1 Semester             
Led small group discussion sections which met once a week to discuss text, lecture material and films. Responsible for grading exams, weekly written assignments and two research papers.  Texts: Movies and Meaning by Prince, A Short Guide to Writing About Film by Corrigan.
Forensics Coach - 4 semesters
Coached students one-on-one in both public address and oral interpretation events.  Team taught a weekly class on various aspects of forensics events.  Responsible for travel budget, scheduling and planning team trips to tournaments, judging at tournaments.  Hosted 1991 Ohio Novice State Tournament.


Waynesburg College  - Instructor, Department of Fine Arts       1991-1997
Courses Taught    

Introduction to Theatre
An introduction to the elements and experience of live theatre and representative genres of dramatic literature. Texts: Theatre Brief Edition by Cohen, Stages of Drama by Klaus, Gilbert & Field.
Theatre Production
Lecture-workshop course examining the aesthetic and practical aspects of theatre production: the design and construction of scenery, lighting and sound. Script selection, analysis and research as related to the design process are examined as well as the operation of scene shop tools, lighting and sound equipment.  Texts: Theatrical Design and Production by Gillette, Stages of Drama Klaus, Gilbert & Field.
Oral Interpretation
This course examines the artistic process of studying literature through performance. Using techniques of vocal expressiveness and the examination and analysis of literary works, choices are made to communicate meaning through performance.  Students prepare memorized and scripted selections from various genres of literature for classroom performance.  Text: Roles in Interpretation by Yordon.
Acting for the Stage
Studio course where students explore the process of acting.  Rehearsal techniques of improvisation, physical and vocal development and expression, and character analysis are examined through scene work and classroom performance of dramatic texts.  Texts:  Respect for Acting by Hagen, Acting: Onstage and Off by Barton.
Theatre History and Criticism
Survey of the theory and drama that have defined theatre history from the Greeks to the present.  The evolution of theatre technology and architecture, conventions, and literature will be examined.  A study of the relationship between theatre and the social and aesthetic values of its time. Texts: Living Theatre by Wilson & Goldfarb, Stages of Drama by Klaus, Gilbert & Field.
Musical Theatre History
Survey of the history and evolution of musical theatre through identification and discussion of landmark productions and artists that have influenced its development.  The relationship among libretto, score and lyrics are examined using examples of 20th-century American and British musicals. Text: Sweeney Todd by Sondheim and various essays and articles.
Directing for the Stage
Studio course where students explore the process of directing.  Script analysis, staging and actor coaching techniques, and planning and organization strategies are examined using a case study script.  Students prepare a scene for classroom performance.  Texts: Play Directing: Analysis, Communication & Style by Hodge, Stages of Drama by Klaus, Gilbert & Field.
Directed Theatre Activities
Students independently explore specific challenges of an advanced nature in playwriting, acting, design, and management.  In conjunction with production work, students solve problems associated with the area of concentration.


ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE

Ashland Summer Theatre Festival
Managing Director  Summer 2002 - Present
Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of summer theatre.  Worked with Artistic Director on planning, season selection and hiring of company.

Ashland University
Director/Advisor  Drop of a Hat Players  Fall 2000 - Present
Responsible for rehearsing, scheduling and coordinating performances of the student musical review group. During the Fall semester I meet with each student performer weekly to rehearse and research new material. The group averages 10 performances each semester in Ashland, Mansfield, and other area communities.  Monetary donations from performances have exceeded $1000.

Waynesburg College
Director of Theatre, Department of Fine Arts  1991 - 1997
Responsible for all aspects of both the academic and production components of a one-person theatre program. Taught all courses, revised handbook course descriptions, planned course sequencing and semester offerings, and advised theatre minors.  For two campus productions each year, selected plays, directed, often designed and built sets, supervised lighting and sound design, managed the facility for other campus events, supervised student employees and managed the budget.  Advisor for Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honorary.
Coordinator of Service Learning, Office of Academic Affairs  1994 - 1995
Introduced the faculty mentor component of the Service Learning Course which involved coordinating 10-12 faculty mentors with the 125+ students enrolled in the course each semester.  Restructured course from an Independent Study structure to include four small group meetings during semester.  Responsibilities included recruiting and training mentors, gathering resource materials, creating a course packet for both mentors and students, assigning student/mentor groups and guiding both mentors and students through a newly restructured course.
 
Huron Playhouse, Huron, Ohio
Business Manager   1991 - 1994
Responsible for supervising office staff including box office and publicity personnel. Solicited program advertising, did program layout, purchased newspaper and radio advertising, approved press releases, processed bills and invoices, made bank deposits, worked with managing director overseeing the budget, worked with community members on advertising and operations projects.
Box Office Manager Summer 1990
Responsible for processing preseason ticket orders and season ticket sales for five weekly performances of six shows during a six week season in a 507 seat house.  Performed nightly, weekly and season audits.  Trained and supervised box office workers.
          


CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION

“Examining Effective Pedagogy in the University: Teaching the Essentials in Theatre History,” chair and panelist, at the Mid America Theatre Conference Education Symposium in Chicago, March 2004.

“Syllabus Swap,” panelist, at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education Annual Conference in New York City, August 2003.

“College Audition Tips,” workshop presenter, at the Ohio EdTA State Thespian Conference in Strongsville, Ohio, March 2003

Attended the Lilly Conference on College Teaching, Oxford, Ohio, November 2002.

“Appreciation, Aesthetics, and Culture: Re-Imagining the Intro to Theatre Course for the 21st Century,” panelist, at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education Annual Conference in San Diego, July 2002.

“Re-Imagining Our Teaching: Developing 21st Century Active Learning Techniques for the Intro to Theater Course,”  panelist, at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education Annual Conference in San Diego, July 2002.

“Auditioning for Musical Theatre,”  workshop co-presenter, at the Ohio EdTA State Thespian Conference in Hilliard, Ohio, April 2002.

Attended the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Region III Festival in Evansville, Indiana, January 2002.

“How Theatre Majors are Brought to Creative Adulthood by Curricular Paths,” panelist, at the National Communication Association National Convention in Atlanta, November 2001.

“Tales of ‘Haints,’ premonitions and Unexplained Deaths: Georgia Ghost Stories in Performance,” performer,
 at the National Communication Association National Convention in Atlanta, November 2001.

“Recruiting and Retaining Our Majors: Balancing Academics and Application,” panelist,  at the National Communication Association National Convention in Atlanta, November 2001.

“Beyond Lectures: Strategies for Engaging New Students of Theatre History,”  chair and panelist, at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education Annual Conference in Chicago, August 2001.

“But the Book Said . . . : The Pedagogy of Recent Musical Theatre Publications,” panelist, at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education Annual Conference in Chicago, August 2001.

Attended National Communication Association National Convention in Seattle, November, 2000.

Attended 4th Annual Women’s Conference Shaping a National Agenda for Women in Higher Education Teleconference in Toledo and Bowling Green,  March 2000.

“A Century of Struggle: The Influence of the Women’s Movement on the Marriage vs. Career Conflict for Women as Depicted in Rachel Crothers’ He and She and Wendy Wasserstein’s The Heidi Chronicles,”  paper presentation, at the Southeastern Theatre Conference’s Theatre Symposium in Knoxville, April 2000.

“Mediated vs. Unmediated Performance:  Experiencing ‘Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945 . . . A Legacy of Hope,’”  paper presentation, at the Eastern Communication Association Convention in Pittsburgh, April 2000.

“Playing it Safe: Self-Censorship in Play Selection,” panelist,  at the National Communication Association Convention in Chicago, November 1999

“Which Plays to Discuss?  Issues of Play Selection in the Intro to Theatre Course,” panelist, at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education Annual Conference in Toronto, July, 1999

“Dangerous Notions: Issues in Censorship and Intellectual Freedom,” panelist, at the Mid-America Theatre Conference in Minneapolis, March 1999
    
“The Steppenwolf Theatre Company: A Celebration in Performance,” participant, at the National Communication Association Convention in Chicago, November 1997

“The Chicago Renaissance and Beyond: Literature in Performance,” chair/participant, at the National Communication Association Convention in Chicago, November 1997

“Many Californias: Performance of Literature From the Golden State,” participant, at the Speech Communication Association Convention in San Diego, November 1996
CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION (CONTINUED)

“We’re ‘Walking the Twilight’ and Are ‘Texas Bound’: Stories of the Southwest in Performance,”  participant, at the Speech Communication Association Convention in San Antonio, November 1995

“Challenges of Theatre Play Selection: Academic and Aesthetic Perspectives,” panelist, at the Speech Communication Association Convention in San Antonio, November 1995
    
“ ‘Liberal’ Issues in ‘Conservative’ Environments: Teaching Theatre at Church Affiliated Institutions,” panelist, at the Speech Communication Association Convention in Miami, November 1993

“Contemporary Issues in Musical Theatre,” panelist, at the Central States Communication Association Convention in Cleveland, April 1992

“Coaching Forensics,”  panelist, at the  Speech Communication Association of Ohio Convention in Columbus, September 1990


AWARDS
    Ashland University Faculty Mentor Award, Spring 2002        
    Bowling Green State University Theatre Department Non-Service Fellowship, 1999-2000
    Member of Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honorary


PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
    Association for Theatre in Higher Education
    National Communication Association
    Mid-American Theatre Conference
    KC/ACTF  Respondent


UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE SERVICE
Ashland University
Drop of  a Hat Players                                                                                 Fall 2000- present
Academic Advising Senate Committee, chair, (elected by college)             Fall 2003 - present
Student Grade Appeals Committee (elected by college)                              Fall 2001 - Spring 2003
Academic Advising Advisory Council (appointed by Dean)                      Spring 2002 - Spring 2003
RTV Candidate Search Committee  (invited by chair)                                Spring 2002, Spring 2003
Dept. Committee to revise THEA 111 as Tier II Aesthetics Course            Fall 2000
College of Arts & Sciences Faculty Senate Alternate (elected by college)   Fall 2002 - present
Faculty Advisor, Newman Catholic Campus Ministry                                 Fall 2002 - present

Bowling Green State University
Dean of Arts & Sciences Search Committee                                Fall 1999
Theatre Dept. Graduate Seminar Steering Committee                  1998
Graduate Representative to Theatre Dept. Faculty Meetings        1998-1999

Waynesburg College
Academic Standards Committee                                    1995-1997
Performing Arts Center Planning Committee                 1994-1997
Service Learning Faculty Mentor                                   1994-1996
Committee to rewrite Mission Statement                        Spring 1995
Who’s Who Selection Committee                                  1993-1994
Middle States Reaccreditation Self Study - Mission & Goals Committee    1993-1994
Faculty Development Ad Hoc Committee                    1993-1994
Vira Heinz Award Selection Committee                       1992-1993
Faculty Affairs Committee (Chair ‘93-’94)                   1991-1994

PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE

Director         Dancing at Lughnasa              Ashland University                             2003
Director        The Sound of Music                Ashland Summer Theatre Festival      2003
Director        The Phantom Lady                  Ashland University                             2003
Director        Gypsy                                      Ashland Summer Theatre Festival      2002
Director        A Little Night Music               Ashland University                             2002
Director        The Pajama Game                   Huron Playhouse                                2001
Director        The Mystery of Edwin Drood Ashland University                             2001
Director        The Last Night of Ballyhoo    Huron Playhouse                                1999
Assistant Dir. Sweeney Todd                      Bowling Green State University         1999
Director        Those That Play the Clowns  Bowling Green State University          1998
Director        The Secret Garden                  Huron Playhouse                                1998
Director        The Role of Della                   Bowling Green State University         1998
Production Stage Lewis Carroll Six Impossible
    Manager    Things Before Breakfast        Bowling Green State University         1997
Director        Joseph and the Amazing     
            Technicolor Dreamcoat                    Waynesburg College                          1997
Director        I Hate Hamlet                          Waynesburg College                          1996
Director        Into the Woods                        Waynesburg College                          1996
Director/Chor.  Stepping Out                       Waynesburg College                          1995
Director        The King and I                        Huron Playhouse                                1995
Director/Chor.Pump Boys and Dinettes       Waynesburg College                          1995
Director        Love Letters                            Waynesburg College                          1995
Director        Talley’s Folly                          Waynesburg College                          1994
Director/Chor.    Godspell                            Waynesburg College                          1994
Director         The Skin of Our Teeth         Waynesburg College                            1993
Director/Chor.    Quilters                            Waynesburg College                           1993
Director/Designer    Antigone                    Waynesburg College                            1992
Director/Chor.    Barnum                           Waynesburg College                            1992
Director/Designer  The Importance of Being
                        Earnest                                Waynesburg College                            1991
Director/Chor.    Fiddler on the Roof          John Carroll University                        1988


PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE

Belinda/Flavia        Noises Off                Bowling Green State University        1999
Chorus/Dancer       Oklahoma                 Huron Playhouse                               1993
Eliante                   The Misanthrope       Bowling Green State University        1991
Chorus/Dancer      Hello, Dolly!            Huron Playhouse                                1990
Sister                     How It Hangs           Bowling Green State University        1990
Mrs. Dunlap         The Music Man         LTOB, Grove City, OH                    1989
Mrs. Levi              The Matchmaker       John Carroll University                     1989
Chorus                  Kiss Me Kate            Actor’s Summer Theatre                    1988
Performer             Jerry’s Girls               John Carroll University                      1988
Gino                     Hollywood/Ukraine  John Carroll University                      1987
Chorus                 Cabaret                      John Carroll University                      1986



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