Faculty Research

The Department of Theatre and Dance provides a home for innovative research in theatre, dance, design, and technology that intersects with our active performance and production opportunities. Faculty are top scholars and practitioners who lead the way in national and international conversations on contemporary studies and trends in their field. Students at both the undergraduate and graduate are able to work alongside faculty on exciting research, as well as exploring their own areas of interest with departmental support. 

Publications

Abstract of foliage, a leaf, and an old black and white photo of a performer.

Dr. Ariel Nereson Appointed Co-Editor of Theatre Journal

Book cover with figures in black leotards covered by what appear to be playful atomic structures.

Dr. Meredith Conti Co-Edits New Anthology on Identity, Culture, and Science Performance

Book cover with creepy bloody hand.

Dr. Meredith Conti Co-Edits New Book on Theatre and Horror

Book cover with portrait of Shakespeare mounted over colonial-era New York City.

Dr. Danielle Rosvally Publishes New Book on William Shakespeare and New York City

Book cover with dancers and performances on stage.

Professors Koscielniak and Shimon Publish New Book on Theatre Design Technology

Book cover with dancers on stage.

Dr. Ariel Nereson Publishes New Book on Dance Pioneer Bill T. Jones

Book cover with abstract graphic of white continents connected by black strings or strands.

Dr. Kellen Hoxworth Publishes New Book on History of Racialized Performance in the Anglophone Imperial World

Image of Shakespeare performers on stage.

Dr. Danielle Rosvally Co-Edits New Book on Mediating Presence in Text, Stage and Screen

Book cover with soccer players running.

Dr. Eero Laine Publishes New Book on Sports in The Theatre

Creative Activities

class photo.

Professor Melanie Aceto’s Community Engagement Through Cuban Dance Project

Professor James Beaudry with his arms crossed.

2023 Faculty Creative Work Highlights (Part Two)

Professor Rosvally holding a Star Wars lightsabre.

2023 Faculty Publishing Achievements (Part One)

Professors Rosvally and Boffone side by side.

Digital Elevator Pitches: How to Put Your Research on TikTok, with Professor Danielle Rosvally

Headshot of Anne Burnidge.

Professor Anne Burnidge's Dancing DNA: Embodying the Human Genome Class Featured on UB Now

Prof Lana Sugarman portrait.

Professor Lana Sugarman Stages New Play Readings in Cleveland

Professor Hunter as a character standing in front of a podium with the US Constitution projected on the wall behind her.

2023 Faculty Creative Work Highlights (Part One)

Professor Chanon Judson dancing.

Professor Chanon Judson Performs at The Joyce Theater

Chanon Judson on stage.

Professor Chanon Judson performs at Philip Glass 85th birthday celebration

Headshot of Meredith Conti.

Dr. Meredith Conti Featured Speaker at Feminist Research Alliance Workshop

Still from "Cabrini" - actress dressed an nun reads a letter.

THD Faculty and Alumni Work on "Cabrini" Movie Filmed in Buffalo

ZDC "danceSense" rehearsal with open-backed unitard and sensor gloves. Photo by Ken Smith.

"danceSense" Collaboration with UB Media Studies & UB Arts Collaboratory

Professor Hoxworth standing in front of a bookcase.

2023 Faculty Publishing Achievements (Part Two)

Close photograph of student dancer Nina Tucker, a young black woman, with her eyes closed in the sun.

Professor Jenna Zavrel Contributes Dance Film to Istanbul Festival

Professor Zech Saenz with THD students.

THD Represented at Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) with Professor Zech Saenz

Awards

headshot.

Professor Max Levitt Receives Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Nomination

Professor Vincent O'Neill at a podium.

Buffalo Theatre District Honors Professor Vincent O'Neill

Headshot of Jeanne Fornarola.

Honoring Two Outstanding UB Dance Professors: Jeanne Fornarola and Thomas Ralabate

Photo of Braun, and older white male with white beard, and bald. With glasses.

Dr. Ariel Nereson Receives Research Fellowship and Publication Prize

Headshot of Steven Henderson, an older black male.

Professor Emeritus Stephen McKinley Henderson nominated for a Tony Award for best actor

Professor Jon Shimon at a podium.

Design and Technology Program Receives Distinguished University Resident Theatre Association Award

Photo of Braun, and older white male with white beard, and bald. With glasses.

Professor Emeritus Kazimierz Braun Receives London Literary Award

Headshot of Ariel Nereson.

Dr. Ariel Nereson Receives Research Grant from UB Baldy Center

Headshot of Ariel Nereson.

Dr. Ariel Nereson Selected for New York Public Library for The Performing Arts 2021 Dance Research Fellows

Faculty and Student Collaborations

cast members.

"Pajama Game" Receives Kennedy Center ACTF Recognition

students on stage singing and dancing.

"Cyclone" Receives Kennedy Center ACTF Recognition

2 men and women on TV stage.

CREATORS AND CAST OF "A CRACK IN THE EGG" APPEAR ON "DAYTIME BUFFALO"

2 men and women on TV stage.

ZODIAQUE DANCE COMPANY 50th ANNIVERSARY FEATURED ON WIVB-TV

THD Students Honored at Kennedy Center Theater Festival.

THD Students Honored Once Again at Kennedy Center Theater Festival

Female student of color in green, red, yellow, black snake makeup.

Pushing The Boundaries of Stage Makeup with Professor Zech Saenz

Book cover with dancers and performances on stage.

Zodiaque Dance Company and Professor Michael Deeb Weaver Featured on UB Now

Show directors.

Family Fun and Theatrical Spectacle Highlight UB's "Cinderella," Directed by Professor James Beaudry

cast members.

CAST and director of "THE pajama Game" appear on WIVB-TV's "Daytime buffalo"

3 cast members and image of a cat.

THD Faculty and Students in Starring Buffalo's Production of "Cats"

female student with hands raised looks upward onstage.

Students in "Mr. Burns" Recognized by Kennedy Center Festival

Professors Michael Deeb Weaver & Kerry Ring speaking on TV.

Zodiaque Dance Company Directors Appear on "Daytime Buffalo"

Michael Deeb Weaver and Delia Mandik.

Professor Michael Deeb Weaver and Dance Students Featured on UB Now

Performers on TV.

Professor Kerry Ring and Cast of Zodiaque Dance Company Appear on WIVB-TV

Meredith Conti headshot.

On "Trifles:" An Interview with Show Director Meredith Conti

cast members.

"Fefu" Receives Kennedy Center ACTF Recognition

students on stage singing and dancing.

THD MUSIC THEATRE AND DANCE STUDENTS PERFORM AT "BOLDLY BUFFALO" CELEBRATION

Students in African costume / dress to perform at ACDA festival.

THD Students Excel at American College Dance Association Festival

Danielle Rosvally on set holding a toy gun.

Dr. Danielle Rosvally's Production of "Henry VI, Part 2" Featured on UBNow

Performers on TV.

Professor James Beaudry and Cast of "Renascence" Appear on Morning TV Show

Dancer being hooked up to sensors.

Zodiaque Dance Company Collaborates with UB Digital Media Studies

Jenna Zavrel dance pose.

The Evolution of ChoreoLab Under Professor Jenna Zavrel