Dr. Nancy Kawalek

Biography

Nancy Kawalek is a distinguished professor and innovator in the field of Arts, Science, and Technology. She has established herself as a leader in the intersection of theater and science through her role as the founder and director of STAGE: Scientists, Technologists Artists Generating Exploration, a laboratory dedicated to creating multimedia theater pieces where science and technology play essential roles. With her team comprising distinguished scientists, engineers, professional actors, and various artists, Kawalek engages in a collaborative process that mirrors exploratory investigations in experimental science. Her work includes interdisciplinary creativity, presenting stage performances before international audiences, and fostering a deeper understanding of science in the public arena. A New York theater-trained actor, she has over 25 years of experience in various acting fields, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theater. Prior to her position at the University of Chicago, she was a faculty member at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she initiated partnerships that led to the establishment of the International Script Competition for new plays based on science and technology. Her projects involve integrating technology into performances, raising new questions about the relationship between art and science.

Research Interests