The Old Globe
University of San Diego
Shiley Graduate Theatre Program

This is a lesson I learned early on in my training in New York City. It’s how I encourage my students and colleagues to approach every task, exercise, scene, and the work as a whole as an Educator, Collaborator, Artist, and Theatre Maker. 

 

Start, and let's see what happens. 

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I believe that a 21st century classical theatre program is one that needs to be in constant conversation with innovative, curious artists of all backgrounds, and walks of life that want to express their own stories. There is no denying that we live in a very diverse and challenging world. So why not hold the mirror up to nature? We are excavating and aiming to tell the big complicated stories- sometimes very difficult to hear and digest, and sometimes a celebratory piece of community. Stories that rearrange the ideas of who we are and why we are here. Whether those stories are considered classical, undiscovered, contemporary, an alternative canon, or translated from another language. We want to read them, unpack them, and perform them.

 

We are a classical training program and Shakespeare is one of our resident playwrights. We are extremely excited about redefining “Classical” for a new American theatre. We wrestle with, ask questions of, debunk, and celebrate the Bard according to who makes up the room. This is a place where we will have radically transparent conversations, debate, and discourse about the Classical, Modern, and Contemporary Theatre Canon. This is the beginning of our journey. We look for a spark, a love of language and text, a sense of play, a commitment to imagination, and a childlike curiosity in artists to explore anew with us every academic year.

 

As the first BIPOC leader of this prestigious program, I am uplifted and charged by the opportunities and changes in our work we can offer the next generation of passionate theatre makers. I look forward to talking theatre, working with you, and creating art in the the 21st century. Come join us.

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-Jesse Perez, Program Director and Craig Noel Distinguished Professor of the Old Globe University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program. The Old Globe Senior & Artistic Staff.

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