Dr. Michael Rau

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Michael Rau is an Assistant Professor in Theater Performance Studies at Stanford University. He specializes in live performance directing, focusing on new plays, opera, and digital media projects. Rau has directed works internationally across countries including Germany, the UK, Brazil, Ireland, Denmark, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and the Czech Republic. His productions have been showcased in prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center and the Public Theater in New York City. Regionally, his work includes collaborations with the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA, and the Humana Festival at Actors Theater Louisville. Rau has also collaborated with composer Kate Soper to perform with the Seattle Symphony and Smith College. He is a recipient of significant awards, including the 2021 Artists + Machine Intelligence Research Award from Google, and fellowships from the Likhachev Foundation and the Kennedy Center. Rau's artistic endeavors also involve interdisciplinary technology in sharing narratives, illustrated by his immersive theater projects. He is committed to mentoring new playwrights and shaping their work.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2023-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Teaching and researching in Theater Performance Studies with a focus on digital media and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Artistic Director

2018-01-01 — 2023-01-01

TAPS • Stanford, CA

Led the Department of Theater Performance Studies in artistic programming and initiatives.

Courses

ARTSINST 11Q ARTSTUDI 11Q ENGLISH 11Q FILMEDIA 11Q TAPS 11Q TAPS 376 TAPS 170B TAPS 372 TAPS 101P TAPS 371P TAPS 200 TAPS 29 TAPS 235 TAPS 122P TAPS 170B TAPS 372 TAPS 335 TAPS 122M

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.