Hello! I am currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Skidmore College. I hold a doctorate degree from the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Theatre & Drama (IPTD) program at Northwestern University. I also hold a B.A. in Theatre from Trinity University and an M.A. in Theatre Studies from the University of Houston.
Research Interests
I am a performance scholar whose work brings together religious studies, theatre studies, and American studies in projects which explore what roles performance plays in how people develop and grow in their beliefs.
My current book project, Bringing the Bible to Life: Biblical Adaptations and Christian Nationalism in the Twenty-first-century United States, investigates processes of adaptation which Christian theatre makers use to dramatize and politicize narratives from the Bible at immersive theatres, theme parks, and museums.
Teaching Experience
Learning, just like creating theatre, is an inherently collaborative act that benefits from opportunities for revision. In my courses, I use the concept of rehearsal as a pedagogical tool to teach academic writing skills and historical research. By rehearsing both ideas and skills through writing exercises and peer review, students learn that external critique is not a value judgement on one’s ability to think critically, but rather an opportunity to refine and specify rhetorical argumentation through collaboration.
My teaching areas include American Religious History, Theatre and Religion, Writing and Composition, Theatre History, Performance Theory, and Adaptation Studies.
Professional Theatre Experience
Originally trained as a theatre generalist, I began my artistic career wearing many hats…actor, director, playwright, stage manager. Now, I freelance as a director, dramaturg, new play developer, and experimental collaborator. I’m interested in interdisciplinary work that comments on contemporary political and social movements.
Writing Services
I have a decade of experience helping both undergraduate and graduate students improve their academic writing skills. As both a writing tutor and freelance copy editor, I am excited to help at any stage of the writing process from developing new ideas to putting the finishing touches on final drafts. As an interdisciplinary scholar, I love learning about new topics and projects from a wide variety of disciplines.
If you are interested in working with me on your writing, please reach out for more information about my services and rates.
Contact
cmtaylor@skidmore.edu
Chelsea M. Taylor, Ph.D. 