Dr. Marilyn Plotkins, Chair: Marilyn Plotkins has been producing and directing theatre for over 35 years and has acted in university, stock and off-off-Broadway musicals and plays. As director of theatre at Suffolk University, she facilitated hundreds of professional performing arts events and is now overseeing the multi-phase renovation of the C. Walsh Theatre. Marilyn is founding director of the Boston Music Theatre Project, (BMTP) and has been developing professional new musicals for nearly 20 years. Marilyn directs for the Theatre Department and supervises student-directed plays. Her book, The ART Reference Book: The Brustein Years, was published in 2005. She received her PhD from Tufts University, her MA from Emerson College and her BA from the University of Pittsburgh.

 

Wesley Savick, Associate Professor: Wes served as Artistic Director of Theatre X in Milwaukee, interim Artistic Director of the Drama League of New York’s Directors Project, Artistic Associate of Chicago’s Organic Theatre and resident guest director of the DARTS/Subaru Theatre in Tokyo, Japan. He has directed or acted in over seventy professional productions, almost all new works, and has written, co-written or adapted seventeen plays, including an opera libretto based on the life of Liberace.  Two of his plays have been nominated for Best New Play Awards from the National Theatre Critics’ Association.  Wes is also the Founding Director of The National Theatre of Allston. He has taught acting, directing and dramatic theory at Suffolk University since 1999.

 

Richard Chambers, Assistant Professor/ Set Designer: Richard Chambers has designed scenery throughout the Northeast for theatre companies and symphony orchestras. He has designed premiers by playwrights Derek Walcott, Russ Lees and Robert Brustein as well as the Off-Broadway premiers of Ronan Noone’s plays The Lepers of Baile Baiste, The Blowin of Baile Gall and The Atheist. Richard holds an MFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where he received the Meir Award for design. He is the recipient of two Elliot Norton Awards and three Independent Reviewers of New England Awards, is a member of United Scenic Artists local 829, and has previously taught at New York University, Ithaca College and Boston University. You can view more of his work or contact him at http://www.richardchambers.net/

 

Caitlin Langstaff, Assistant Professor: Caitlin co-founded Tidal Theatre Company and Tsunami Sound Waves. She lives and works as an actor in New York City. She is a fight choreographer and writes, directs and produces site-specific theatre. She is a member of the Actors Studio and Actors Equity Association. She teaches acting and voice & movement at Suffolk University. 

 

Jim Kaufman, General Manager: Jim Kaufman develops opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals at Suffolk, in the Theatre Department, and beyond. He also supports the University community by managing operations and programs in the Studio and C. Walsh Theatres.  Jim has spent many years developing new work with Boston theatre companies and producing documentary films.  He is Co-chair of the Underground Railway Theater board and member of the Steering Committee for the Central Square Theatre in Cambridge.  His degrees are from the University of Michigan and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

 

Jim Bernhardt, Technical Supervisor: Since receiving his BA in theatre from Southern Illinois University, Jim has worked for ten years as production manager and technical director across New England and is proud to have served as Cape Playhouse Production Manager for the last five years. From 1999 to 2001 Jim was the second in command at Cyco Scenic and continues to have strong working relationship with them to this day.  Jim was recently awarded his MFA in Theatre Production from Boston University. As Technical Supervisor, Jim oversees the technical theater staff for the university and acts as production manager for all Theatre Department productions.

 

Wayne Chin, C. Walsh Theatre Operations Coordinator: Wayne facilitates presentations by University and guest organizations in the C. Walsh Theatre. In addition to his work as the unofficial “voice of Suffolk” at University events, Wayne recently won the poster contest for the Suffolk’s recycling campaign and was honored as “Support Staff Member of the Year” in 2006. Wayne is a graduate of Suffolk University.

 

A. Nora Long, Marketing & Special Projects Supervisor: Nora oversees all marketing and communication for the Theatre Department, and works with the Chair and General Manager to facilitate special programs and events. She received her MFA in Dramaturgy from the American Repertory Theatre/ Moscow Art Theatre School Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University and her BA from Sarah Lawrence College where she studied Theatre and Italian. She has worked as director, dramaturg, writer, translator and producer on several projects since graduating, including leading independent studies in dramaturgy with Suffolk students.

 

Steven McIntosh, Technical Director: Steve is a graduate of Boston University’s Design program, with major concentrations in lighting & sound design. At Suffolk University he often designs department productions, guest lectures on the use of lighting & sound design in theatre classes, and is maintains the systems used in the C. Walsh and Studio Theatres. Steve also does freelance design work in Boston-area theatres and has been helpful in securing technical work for students interested in the field.
 

Anita Sen, Office Coordinator: Anita serves as an information resource for the Theatre Department. She manages the Chair’s schedule, supervises work-study students, and provides support for all Theatre classes, students and professors. Anita holds a dual degree in German and International Affairs from the University of New Hampshire.  She is a Fulbright Scholar where she taught English literature and conversation in Germany. In keeping with her pedagogical interests, she frequently volunteers for the Boston Public School System.

Lindsay Yost, Front of House Associate: Lindsay manages all the Front of House needs for the Studio and C. Walsh Theatres. Lindsay has worked for the Huntington Theatre Company for the past several years in a number of roles. She is a graduate of Berklee College of Music.

2008-2009 Guest Lecturers
Gina Beck
Jim Bernhardt
Allison Charney
Dawn Davis-Loring
Jen Farrell
Abbie Katz
Melinda Lopez
Nora Long
Scott Nicholas
Kate Snodgrass

Distinguished Scholar in Residence: Robert Brustein
Robert Brustein, former Dean of the Yale School of Drama and founding artistic director of both the Yale Repertory Theatre and the American Repertory Theatre has joined the faculty of Suffolk University’s College of Arts and Sciences as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence. In addition to the lectures and advising sessions he will teach two seminars in the Theatre Department.