Dr. Nancy Smithner

Professor

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Biography

Nancy Smithner is a Clinical Professor at NYU Steinhardt in the Department of Educational Theatre and Music within the Performing Arts Professions. With a focus on physical, devised, community-engaged theatre, she has directed and performed in a wide range of works, exploring multiple genres and large casts. Notable productions include 'Good Soul Szechuan,' 'The Tempest,' 'Like Macbeth,' and 'Love's Labours Lost,' among others. Dr. Smithner's work emphasizes the voices of women and their cultural identities, particularly through community collaboration. Her devised pieces like 'Sonder: Dreams Carry' and 'Chance Shadow' have garnered recognition and awards, including the Grand Prize for Original Play at the Lalka Też Człowiek Festival in Warsaw, Poland. An advocate for education through theatre, she has taught internationally and directed numerous study abroad programs. Dr. Smithner also focuses on applied theatre practices, working with male and female inmates in maximum security prisons. She has been recognized for her excellence in teaching with the Steinhardt Teaching Excellence Award in 2005, revitalizing courses in educational theatre, directing, and acting.

Research Interests

Experience

Clinical Professor

2005-09-01 — Present

New York University Steinhardt • New York, NY

Teaching courses in educational theatre and directing, overseeing student teaching placements and leading study abroad programs.

Courses

Advanced Directing Physical Theatre Improvisation History of Drama Education

Requirements for New York University Steinhardt

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Master's degree preferred but not required for 54-credit track
Application Checklist
  • Résumé/CV
  • MCC Essay (Research Area/Topic)
  • Writing Sample (Master's thesis or equivalent)
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Official Transcripts
  • English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Department of Media, Culture, and Communication - PhD Program focusing on Global and Transcultural Studies, Technology and Society, and Visual Culture.