Faculty Profiles
Mark Abram-Copenhaver
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"…now, let us on your imaginary forces work…" — Henry V, Act 1 Sc 1
Mark has been a theatremaker since the sixth grade. His professional career includes time as an equity stage manager and professional director in both Chicago and Philadelphia where he was also owner, along with his wife, of a performing and visual arts school. In addition to his 20-year tenure at Saint Mary's College, Mark has served as the production manager for both the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival and Opera ND as well as the executive director of the South Bend Civic Theatre. His philosophy of theatre and teaching can be summed up thus: “I love both my opportunities as a theatremaker to tell audiences engaging stories and to spur students to discover their power to use the theatre to tell their own stories.”
Education
BA, Acting, Lycoming College
MFA, Directing, Illinois State University
Areas of Expertise
- Stage directing
- Stage management
- Arts management
- Stage combat
- Sound design
Research Interests
- Use of sound and projected scenery technology in theatrical storytelling
- The importance of storytelling in our everyday lives
- The place and power of the arts in society
Courses Recently Taught
- Theatre History
- Directing
- Play Analysis
- Introduction to Theatre
- Musical Theatre Performance
- Stage Combat
- Arts Management
Professional Experience
- Artistic Director of the South Bend Civic Theatre
- Co-Owner of Sweet-Arts Studio, Performing and Visual Arts School, Philadelphia
- Equity Stage Manager of People's Light and Theatre Company, Philadelphia
Creative and Scholarly Work
- 9 to 5 The Musical, 2018
- Skylight, 2018
- Extraordinary Women: A Musical Revue, 2018
Professional Memberships
- Actor's Equity Association