Who We Are

Dean of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS): Valerie Banschbach

Performing and Fine Arts (PFA) Chair: Patrick Murphy, Associate Professor of Music

Theater Program Director: Larry Larsen, Professor, Performing and Fine Arts (Scenic, Lighting and Theater Management)

Faculty:

·        Amanda Cardwell-Aiken, M.F.A., Adjunct Professor, Performing and Fine Arts, (Costume & Makeup Design)

·        Andy Christensen, M.F.A., Assistant Professor, Performing and Fine Arts, (Directing, Performance, and Producer)

·        Courtney Fero, M.F.A., Adjunct Professor of Dance, Performing and Fine Arts, (Jazz, Modern, Tap, Contemporary Dance)

·        Philip Ray Guevara, M.F.A., Adjunct Professor of Theatre, Performing and Fine Arts, (Performance)

·        Mindi Logan, M.F.A., Associate Professor, Performing and Fine Arts, (Performance)

·        Gregory Pulver, M.F.A., Professor, Performing and Fine Arts, (Costume & Makeup Design)

·        Tyler Smith, M.F.A., Adjunct Professor of Theatre, Performing and Fine Arts, (Stage and Production Management)

·        Jenna Tamimi, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor of Theatre, Performing and Fine Arts, (Theatre History and Theory)

·        Les Wantanabe, M.F.A., Adjunct Professor of Dance, Performing and Fine Arts, (Ballet)

·        Bryan Willis, M.F.A., Adjunct Professor of Theatre, Performing and Fine Arts, (Playwriting)

Theater Program Staff:

·         Emily Hogan, Academic Coordinator

·         Tyler Smith, M.F.A., Technical Director/Production Manager

·        Amanda Cardwell-Aiken, M.F.A., Costume Studio Manager/Draper

Student Leadership

·         Theater Club President

·         Theater Club Vice President

·         Theater Club Secretary

·         Theater Club Treasurer and Producer

·         Theater Club Community Coordinator

Who to go to

 

Academic Concerns: 

If the issue concerns a class, we encourage students to speak with the appropriate instructor first. If that discussion is not satisfactory, then you should see your assigned advisor. Your advisor may recommend returning to the instructor, meeting with the Theater Program Director, or seeing the appropriate Associate Dean or counselor. 

Advising Concerns:  

Every Student at the University of Portland is assigned an academic advisor in their degree programs. Academic advising will be provided equally to all students regardless of their assigned advisor and students can reach out to the CAS Advising office for addition support. It should be the goal of the advisor to promote the student’s academic and artistic flourishing. Advice should be given kindly, openly and constructively.  

Production-Related Concerns: 

Questions, concerns, or difficulties that arise within a production should be handled in a straightforward manner. First try discussing your question or concern with the person most directly related to the problem. If you are a performer and still have difficulties, see the stage manager or show deputy, followed, if needed, by the production director, then the Program Director. Technicians and crew should speak with the stage manager, then the Theater Program Director. Designers and stage managers should see a design and technology faculty member, then the Theater Program Director. 

Other Theatre-Related Concerns: 

First try discussing your question or concern with the student, supervisor, or faculty member who is directly related to the problem. If you still have difficulties after consulting the faculty member, you may choose to move to the Theater Program Director and then the PFA chair.