International PG and Early Career Researcher Drama Conference, University of Exeter, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 January 2014

Conference Co-Chair

Hannah Jane Cummings, Drama research student, College of Humanities, University of Exeter

My current research, supported by the AHRC, considers the nature of representation in contemporary performance in order to identify key concerns arising from, and pertaining to, the contemporary moment.  I am particularly interested in notions of ‘authenticity’ as related to story and character, and as defined by associations with reality, actuality and genuineness.  Specifically, my research explores the performativity of these associations to consider the inter-relation of truth and illusion in the construction of authenticity. Key aspects of this research include a consideration of various acting styles and dramaturgies; the relationship between presentation and representation; the use of audience participation across various forms of contemporary performance; the use of techniques that create mediated distance between the production and reception of performance; the relationship between expectation and its fulfilment in the structuring of authenticity; and notions of risk and exposure.  Related areas include philosophy and theatricality.

Before beginning my PhD I completed a one year actor training MA (dist.) with Phillip Zarrilli, also at the University Exeter.  Prior to this I spent a year acting and travelling after having completed a BA (Hons) in Drama (1st) at Queens University, Belfast.  For more information visit: www.eprofile.exeter.ac.uk/hannahcummings

I look forward to Exeter’s inaugural postgraduate and early career researcher drama conference since I see it as excellent opportunity to foster links with other researchers and departments. I hope it will prove stimulating, social, enjoyable and scholarly rigorous for all those involved.  To date, it has been an excellent learning opportunity, which has been kindly and generously supported by the department and the university, the abstract responses to our call for papers has been stimulating and encouraging and I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity the conference has given me to work alongside my course colleagues.

Contact email: PGDramaConference@exeter.ac.uk

Conference Co-Chair

Kelly Marie Miller, Drama research student, College of Humanities, University of Exeter

Originally from the US, I moved to Exeter in 2008 to undertake my MFA (dist.) in Theatre Practice, studying under Professor Phillip Zarrilli. Prior to this, I received my BA in Theatre Arts and Drama from Washington State University. Currently, I am in the final stages of my PhD in Performance Practice research, investigating the histories of elite gymnastics and the re-imagining of those histories towards the development of a pedagogical actor training for performers. I am considering the histories of the sport within Germanic, British and American contexts. I am also investigating practitioners Francois Delsarte, Rudolph Laban and Jacques LeCoq to identify the role gymnastics played in their practices, trainings and legacies. In practice, I draw upon my own background as an elite gymnast and my, subsequent, understanding of gymnastics languages, processes and practices, combined with these histories, towards development of a sport-based training.

Alongside my PhD research, I also work as an actor and theatre-maker.  I am currently in receipt of a commission by Exeter-based theatre company Kaleider for my project, Running | Out of Time. For more info please visit our website www.kaleider.com/projects/kaleider-commissions/running-out-of-time

As a performer, I have worked in a wide variety of contexts, with companies such as; Aasakta, Kaleider, Cardboard Shakespeare Company, Out of Hand Theatre, and the AKZE Daggy. My practice-based interests focus on the response of the human body to new technologies, extreme performance, and sport and performance.

I am very much looking forward to the first annual PGR and ECR drama conference and am very grateful to the University and department for their support in our endeavor.

Contact email: PGDramaConference@exeter.ac.uk

Hospitality Co-Ordinator

Evelyn O’Malley, Drama research student, College of Humanities, University of Exeter

My research project, supported by the AHRC, investigates how the experience of being outdoors contributes to the reception and performance of outdoor Shakespeares in the UK. It asks how spectators and actors contribute to reconstructing and reimagining inherited, “original” or desired early modern theatre practices and in what ways their experiences are bound up with their embodiment in the natural world.

I originally undertook vocational training in musical theatre at The Arts Educational Schools, London, graduating in 2003 and subsequently worked as a theatre practitioner, facilitator and arts administrator. I returned to study in 2010, carrying out a BA Hons in Theatre Studies (1st) at the Guildford School of Acting and followed this with Exeter University's MfA in Staging Shakespeare, where I graduated with distinction in January 2013.

I’m delighted for the opportunity to help out with the inaugural postgraduate and early career researcher Drama conference and look forward to the chance to discuss research and share learning with others.

www.eprofile.exeter.ac.uk/evelynomalley

Contact email: PGDramaConference@exeter.ac.uk