Professor Persons is a performing artist working in live theatre and new media. His research is in acting and directing, as a craft and as a profession. His focus is on how western and classical theatre traditions can merge with other disciplines, technologies, and cultures from around the world to inform the future of theatre. He applies contemporary methods to canonical theatrical literature, in collaboration with fellow theatre artists, to reveal fresh interpretations of the classics. He experiments with traditional “live” theatre and the application of new communication methods, thereby expanding what is defined as a theatre space. He explores theatre as an event rather than a destination. He pursues work as an independent artist in collaboration with fellow practitioners, actors, directors, designers, dramaturgs, and playwrights.
keywords
performance, acting, theatre arts, acting for the camera, voice for actors, movement for actors, acting shakespeare, non-traditional venues, original works, spoken word
Teaching
courses taught
ARTF 5021 - Directing/Acting for the Camera
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Offers an intensive workshop that provides students with experience directing dramatic material, acting before a camera, and interpreting or adopting dramatic material for film. No experience in directing or acting required. Attendance, research, and papers required. Degree credit not granted for this course and CINE 4021 and THTR 4103.
CINE 3020 - Filmmaking Abroad: Acting & Directing Internationally
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2022 / Summer 2023 / Summer 2024 / Summer 2025
Offers an intensive three-week production seminar to realize a short narrative film. Students immerse themselves in a city abroad, in collaboration with fellow CU students and the host population, as they scout locations and film their projects. Requires production responsibilities on both sides of the camera. A Global Seminar offered during Maymester through CU International Education. Same as THTR 3020.
CINE 4021 - Directing/Acting for the Camera
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Offers an intensive production seminar to prepare actors and directors to work collaboratively and effectively for the medium of the camera. Directing vocabulary, script interpretation, film terminology and acting techniques are applied. Explores situations in which actors and directors interact, from auditions to rehearsals to filming. Requires attendance, textbook readings, research and production responsibilities on both sides of the camera. Recommended prerequisite: CINE 1502. Formerly FILM 4021. Degree credit not granted for this course and ARTF 5021. Same as THTR 4103.
THTR 1003 - Acting 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2022
Introductory course designed to explore creativity, collaboration and communication in the craft of acting. Focuses on basic terms and concepts of psychological realism fundamental to the actors' process through solo work and ensemble exercises. Open to majors and non-majors.
THTR 3011 - American Musical Theatre History
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2018 / Summer 2019
This course investigates diversity in American musical theatre through the disciplinary frameworks of critical race theory, intersectional feminism, the American Myth, Jewish and LGBTQIA+ theories, and music and performance theory. In addition to increasing students� knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of this uniquely American art form, this course encourages students to examine larger historical and/or political events and movements through the lens of the reception and development of musicals in a given time period. Recommended prerequisite: 3 credits in THTR, DNCE or MUSC.
THTR 3013 - Studio 1: Building a Character
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024 / Fall 2025
Students learn to deepen and develop their proficiency with specific acting techniques. Explores the craft elements of acting, as well as text analysis.
THTR 3020 - Filmmaking Abroad: Acting & Directing Internationally
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2022 / Summer 2023 / Summer 2024 / Summer 2025
Offers an intensive three-week production seminar to realize a short narrative film. Students immerse themselves in a city abroad, in collaboration with fellow CU students and the host population, as they scout locations and film their projects. Requires production responsibilities on both sides of the camera. A Global Seminar offered during Maymester through CU International Education. Same as CINE 3020.
THTR 3043 - Advanced Voice for the Stage
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2024 / Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Continues the work begun in THTR 2043. Studies advanced vocal techniques with the goal of integrating these skills into the working process of the performing artist.
THTR 4063 - Audition Techniques
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024 / Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Prepares students for the demands of the acting profession. Trains students in various audition techniques including general auditions, prepared auditions, cold readings, on-camera auditions, andcommercial auditions. Shows how to prepare and perfect audition material in a professional and exemplary way. Discusses agents, casting directors, and the process of becoming a professional actor.
THTR 4103 - Directing/Acting for the Camera
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024 / Fall 2025
Offers an intensive production seminar to prepare actors and directors to work collaboratively and effectively for the medium of the camera. Directing vocabulary, script interpretation, film terminology and acting techniques are applied. Explores situations in which actors and directors interact, from auditions to rehearsals to filming. Requires attendance, textbook readings, research and production responsibilities on both sides of the camera. Formerly FILM 4021. Degree credit not granted for this course and ARTF 5021. Same as CINE 4021.
THTR 4149 - Theatre Internship
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Summer 2024 / Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Summer 2025
Provides opportunities for theatre majors to explore career opportunities in theatre fields other than, or in addition to, those with performance emphasis. Students apply knowledge and skills developed in their major studies to a practical work experience. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Recommended requisite: 30 credit hours in THTR.
