News | Performing and Media Arts

PMA Ph.D. Student Rejoice Abutsa Publishes Book Review in the Journal of the African Literature Association

PMA Ph.D. student, writer, and film producer, Rejoice Abutsa has published a book review in the Journal of the African Literature Association, alongside other leading scholars in the field, Matthew H. Brown, Ying Cheng, Alessandro Jedlowski, Stephanie Newell, and Paul Ugor. The subject of the review is the book Lagos Never Spoils: Nollywood and Nigerian City Life, written by Connor Ryan, from University of Michigan Press.

Cornell Alum Faye Tsakas ‘13 Short Film Premieres in NYT Op-Docs Series

Christmas, Every Day, a short film directed, shot, edited, and produced by Cornell Alum Faye Tsakas ‘13 premiered on December 10 as part of the New York Times Op-Docs series. The film was also produced by Enrique Pedraza Botero, Rowan Ings, and Lauren Howell.

PMA Department Chair Samantha Noelle Sheppard’s Essay Featured in Nike/Phaidon Book About Women’s Sportswear

PMA Department Chair Samantha Noelle Sheppard’s essay "Fit Check" about women’s sportswear can be found in the newly published book Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good: Nike Apparel, from Nike/Phaidon Press.

a person with a virtual reality headset with other people watching

Exhibit highlights art/tech intersections in student work

The event invited undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines to display their projects at the historic A.D. White House.

PMA Ph.D. Alum Nick Fesette ’18 Essay Included in Theatre Journal Special Issue on Abolition and Performance

CW: This article includes discussions of police violence.

PMA Ph.D. Alum Nick Fesette ’18 has published an essay called “Abolitionist Laughter: The Joint Movement to #StopCopCity” in Theatre Journal’s newest special issue on Abolition and Performance, edited by Ariel Nereson.

Jeffrey Palmer (left) Doorim Kim (right)

PMA Podcast Episod 64 -Student Film Screenings Fall 2024

PMA/LSP Associate Professor Karen Jaime Published in QED: A Journal in GLBTQ Worldmaking

PMA/LSP Associate Professor Karen Jaime has published an article called ""It Ain't Easy Being Green": Race and Time in Stormé DeLarverie's Butch Swagger and Presence" in a special issue of QED: A Journal in GLBTQ Worldmaking entitled “The Queer 1990s.”

PMA Professor Mendi Obadike’s Musical Score Collection to Be Performed in Brooklyn

On Sunday, December 8, PMA Professor Mendi Obadike and AAP Professor Keith Obadike will have selections from their score Big House/Disclosure performed by Either/Or, a flexible chamber ensemble based in New York City.

PMA Department Chair Samantha Noelle Sheppard Quoted in “Casting the Cabinet” Article from the NYT

PMA Department Chair and Associate Professor Samantha Noelle Sheppard was quoted in an article from the New York Times called “Casting the Cabinet.”

assistant professor of the practice, Danielle Russo (left) and visiting lecturer Olive Prince (right)

PMA Podcast Episode 63 - Share In / Share Out

In this episode, we welcome engineering major and film minor, Jessie Jia as a co-host on the show, Jessie and Chris Christensen met with assistant professor of the practice, Danielle Russo and visiting lecturer Olive Prince, to explore the many aspects of PMA's upcoming dance event. Share In / Share Out, end of semester PMA dance showcase. Share In / Share Out, is a showcase of predominantly student devised dance works, specifically featuring Cornellians in the PMA dance studio courses this semester. This compilation of projects and portfolios is a part of MOVING FORWARD, new futurism in installation, intermedia, interactive and immersive dance.

PMA Ph.D. Candidate Ariel M. Dela Cruz Published in GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies

PMA Ph.D. Candidate Ariel M. Dela Cruz has published a special issue research article called “But on Sunday, They Are Free”: Tomboy Domesticity and Home Time in Sunday Beauty Queen” in GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies.

A few dozen people stand in front of a movie screen

Town-Gown awardees foster business, community, sustainability

Partnerships aiming to minimize construction waste in Central New York, address isolation and cognitive loss through performance, and promote and nurture local startups received the annual Cornell Town-Gown Awards, announced Nov. 16 at Cinemapolis.

PMA Assistant Professor Juan Manuel Aldape Muñoz a Featured Speaker in Seminar Series “Moving Online”

PMA Assistant Professor Juan Manuel Aldape Muñoz will be a featured speaker in the seminar series “Moving Online: Ontology and Ownership of Internet Dance” on November 21, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 BST (11:00 am – 12:30 pm EST). Aldape Muñoz will discuss his article “Love and Theft in Dance Economies,” which was published in Performance Philosophy Journal in 2024.

Things to do: Much music, Supreme Court panel, advice for aspiring filmmakers

Pick from several concerts, attend the Town-Gown Awards, consider the Supreme Court and get advice for a career in film at events around campus.

PMA Associate Professor Jeffrey Palmer’s Film Included in TIME’s 22 Essential Works of Indigenous Cinema

PMA Associate Professor Jeffrey Palmer’s documentary film N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear has been included in TIME’s list of “22 Essential Works of Indigenous Cinema.” “The film profiles how [Momaday’s] childhood on several reservations in New Mexico shaped his writing,” Olivia B. Waxman writes.

Call for Submissions - The Marvin Carlson Award for Best Student Essay in Theatre or Performance

The Department of Performing and Media Arts hosts a yearly contest for The Marvin Carlson Award for Best Student Essay in Theatre or Performance. This award honors CUNY Professor Marvin Carlson (CU PhD '61).

An illustration of a crankable camera, a director’s chair, and a few popcorn kernels against a green background.

Student Film Screening

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for the Student Film Screening, on Friday, December 13, at 5:00 p.m., in the Kiplinger Theatre, Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. The Student Film Screening will feature unique, empathetic, and collaborative works from students in PMA 3570: Film and Video Production I, PMA 3571: Documentary Filmmaking, PMA 3580: Cinematography and Visual Storytelling, and PMA 1410: Media Production Laboratory.

Student dancer Taylor Janeen Pryor stepping forward with her back leg bent, reaching down towards the floor on a stage against a black background. Image by Thomas Hoebbel Photography, featuring Taylor Janeen Pryor in “This Table Has Been a House in the Rain.”

Share In / Share Out: End-of-Semester PMA Dance Showcase

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for Share In / Share Out: End-of-Semester PMA Dance Showcase. The showcase will take place in the Class of ’56 Dance Studio Theatre, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, on Friday, December 6, 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. and on Saturday, December 7, 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Both performances are free and open to the public. Get your free tickets at pma.cornell.edu/tickets.

Two people -- characters in a play -- stand in a field full of flowers

German studies hosts evening with ‘Rosa and Blanca’ playwright

Rebekka Kricheldorf will talk about writing comedy and more with Samuel Buggeln, the play’s director and artistic director of Cherry Arts, on Nov. 12 – one of several collaborations.

Assistant Professor Natasha Raheja to Screen Films at the 2024 Lahore Biennale Climate Congress

Assistant Professor Natasha Raheja of PMA and Anthropology is screening a film as part of the Climate Congress at the 2024 Lahore Biennale on Thursday, November 7th at 7pm in the Lahore Museum Auditorium. She will be screening her short film “A Gregarious Species” and excerpts from her in-production feature film “Kitne Passports?”.

Professional Directions: What is an Assistant Director?

Come find out what an assistant director does on set! Learn all about how to get started and what this job fully entails.

New Feldshuh play premieres Nov. 1 at Schwartz Center

“Orlando’s Gift,” a new play written and directed by David Feldshuh, professor of performing and media arts, and inspired by Virginia Woolf’s novel “Orlando,” will premiere Nov. 1 at the Schwartz Center.

PMA Podcast Episode 62 - Orlando's Gift

In this episode we take a deep dive into PMA’s upcoming production of “Orlando’s Gift” written and directed by Professor David Feldshuh. On rare occasion we take a different approach with an episode, remove the standard back and forth conversation, and capture a poetic narrative from our guest. Please take a moment to sit back, relax, and enjoy the words of David Feldshuh as he describes his upcoming production from its inception to present.

Two people in casual clothes stand in a room full of bric-a-brac, holding professional grade recording equipment

Crowdfunding launch supports Ways of Knowing podcast at Cornell

A crowdfunding campaign launched Nov. 1 to support a Cornell-based season of "Ways of Knowing,” a new podcast created by The World According to Sound.

Developing Dramaturgical Strategies for AI and XR alongside NYC’s Contemporary Performance Scene. A dozen people scattered across a hill-shaped stage, sitting, standing, alone, and in groups, with a projected background of streaks of light blue and navy light and flower patterns.

PMA Assistant Professor of the Practice Danielle Russo and PMA Visiting Lecturer Olive Prince Converge for “Developing Dramaturgical Strategies for AI and XR” Workshop

PMA Assistant Professor of the Practice Danielle Russo and PMA Visiting Lecturer Olive Prince on behalf of PMA Dance appeared at a two-day workshop called Developing Dramaturgical Strategies for AI and XR alongside NYC’s Contemporary Performance Scene.

Aerial view of the Arts Quad in the fall

Center for Racial Justice and Equitable Futures holds first event

During “Beyond 2024: Envisioning Just Futures and Equitable Democracy,” faculty and students from across the university will come together to creatively showcase research and art, build community and be inspired to imagine a better future.

A black and white drawing of a person with the area under their hat erased, looking into an open box with a brain inside it, against a blue background. Heading into Night: a clown play about… [forgetting] Devised by Beth F. Milles and Daniel Passer

PMA Associate Professor Beth F. Milles’ Play “Heading into Night” Garners Rave Reviews

Heading into Night, a play directed and co-devised by PMA Associate Professor Beth F. Milles is receiving rave reviews during its run at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. The project is co-devised and performed by renowned Cirque du Soleil clown Daniel Passer, with Assistant Directing from PMA Alum Taylor Bazos ’23.

Short film screenwriting: a high-wire act of abbreviation

In his new book, filmmaker Austin Bunn delves into the mechanics of the short form by reprinting notable scripts and interviewing the films’ creators, as well as providing insights and advice based on his own screenwriting career.

Shadow Puppet Show by Students in PMA 3633 - Out of Body Performance: Puppets & Animation

On September 30, 2024, students from PMA 3633 - Out of Body Performance: Puppets & Animation presented a unique class project: a six-minute shadow puppet show. This engaging performance, featuring crafted puppets and a storyline, was the result of collaboration between Pilar Gutierrez, Kisyl Housden, and Ben Mehler, who not only designed and built the puppets but also brought them to life on stage.

Still from “The Neighbors’ Window (2020) created by Austin Bunn, and thumbnail of “Short Film Screenwriting” by Austin Bunn against black background. SHORT FILM NIGHT: Oscar winners! Screenings! Local filmmakers! Hosted by Austin Bunn: Author of the new book Short Film Screenwriting Special guest star: Actor/screenwriter Guinevere Turner (Go Fish, American Psycho, The L Word) Thursday, Nov 7, 7PM-8:30PM. Liquid State Brewery, 620 West Green Street, Ithaca

PMA Associate Professor Austin Bunn to Host Short Film Night at Liquid State Brewery

PMA Associate Professor Austin Bunn will be hosting an event called Short Film Night at Liquid State Brewery in Ithaca, on Thursday, November 7, from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

PMAPS Colloquium: Andy Colpitts and Lexi Turner

This talk will feature works by two PhD candidates in Performing and Media Arts, Andy Colpitts and Lexi Turner.

One of Andy's dissertation chapters, entitled: "The Fool's Golden Age of Bread and Puppet Circuses", investigates the nostalgic framing and imagery employed in Bread and Puppet's yearly Domestic Resurrection Circuses to understand its political possibilities and pitfalls.

In a section from Lexi’s dissertation chapter “Thanatology of the Photographic Image: Ritual and Redemption in the Cinematic Avant-Garde,” Lexi engages with Luther Price’s controversial queer video piece Sodom, re-editing degraded and discarded gay pornography together with religious iconography and his own sculptural mutilation of the film itself.

Performance Installation at Sage Chapel Crypt on Nov 1_by Danielle Russo — Owen Burnham

Assistant Professor of the Practice Danielle Russo to showcase her performance installation, SINCE THOU WAST PRECIOUS IN MY SIGHT, VOL. 3

Assistant Professor of the Practice Danielle Russo is pleased to share news of her performance installation, SINCE THOU WAST PRECIOUS IN MY SIGHT, VOL. 3, taking place Friday, November 1 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Sage Chapel Crypt, free and open to the public as part of Ithaca Gallery Night.

You’re a PMA Major/Minor: What’s Next?!

In this series we call “What’s Next?!”, PMA faculty Dr. Kristen Warner will lead four workshop sessions that begin to help answer that question. The focus of each session will address a range of topics from internships and graduate programs (MFAs, critical studies MA/PhD) to the dreaded art of writing cover letters/personal statements.

PMA Studios: Call for Actors

PMA Studios: Call for Actors! SUBMIT YOUR AUDITION VIDEO
BY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Headshots of Lee Rosenthal ‘87 and Bob Clendenin ‘87

Professional Directions with Producer Lee Rosenthal ‘87 and Actor Bob Clendenin ‘87, The Co-Founders of Whistling Shrimp

Join us for a conversation with the co-founders of Whistling Shrimp, Cornell’s oldest improv comedy group. Lee Rosenthal and Bob Clendenin have gone on to lead prestigious careers in the entertainment industry. Lee Rosenthal is the President of Worldwide Physical Production for Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Studios, while Bob Clendenin has appeared in over 100 television shows and can currently be seen in Bad Monkey on Apple TV and Bookie on HBO. How did they get there? What can they share about their journeys? Their visit coincides with the 40th-anniversary reunion of Whistling Shrimp at Cornell.

Allen Porterie leaning against a sign that says AUDRA and GYPSY.

PMA Alum Allen Porterie ‘20 Awarded RCI Theatricals Company Manager Fellowship

PMA Alum Allen Porterie ‘20 has been awarded the RCI Theatricals Company Manager Fellowship, and will be working on the upcoming Broadway production of Gypsy. Porterie graduated from Cornell with an English major from A&S and a Theater minor from PMA, where they won the Drama Book Award in 2020. He also got his MFA in Performance as a Public Practice from UT Austin.

Art + tech exhibit looking for student work

Submissions are due Oct. 31 and should combine art and technology in any way: video games, fashion, sculpture, graphic design, virtual reality, AI collaborations, performance, music, etc.

Short films from Rural Humanities course selected for festivals

Three short documentaries produced in a Rural Humanities Seminar, taught by PMA Associate Professor Austin Bunn, are headed to film festivals this fall.

PMA 1611: PMA Studios Info Sessions

An unspooling film reel against an orange background.

Introducing...PMA STUDIOS We invite you to join us on this exciting journey to movie magic! Information Session for PMA 1611: PMA Studios Tuesday, October 22, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Film Forum, Schw
Introducing... PMA Studios
Learn More About PMA 1611: PMA Studios
Tuesday, October 22 from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in the Film Forum
Wednesday, October 23 from 5:00pm - 6:00pm via Zoom

Top image: Two pigeons seen through a cage, with baby pigeons in cubbies in the background. From the short film “Freedom Flier,” directed by Cami Armendariz ’24. Middle image: A close-up image of a computing device with a green line graph on the screen and wires coming out of it. From the short film “Synchrotron Symphony,” directed by Shuqian Lyu ’25. Bottom image: A shot through two open doors of a wooden barn, with Motherwort member Youngiee Quennell in the background closing the far door of the barn.

Short films from PMA course selected for festivals

Three short documentaries produced in a Rural Humanities Seminar, taught by PMA Associate Professor Austin Bunn, are headed to film festivals this fall.

Book cover for Imagining the Method: Reception, Identity, and American Screen Performance. A black and white photograph of an actor smoking, holding a notebook, and leaning against a screen door, with a group of people in the background sitting at a table.

Imagining the Method: Reception, Identity, and American Screen Performance: A Book Talk by Justin Owen Rawlins

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for Imagining the Method: Reception, Identity, and American Screen Performance: A Book Talk by Justin Owen Rawlins. The event will take place on Thursday, November 7, at 5:00 PM in the Film Forum, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts.

Book cover: The Routledge Anthology of Women's Theatre Theory and Dramatic Criticism

J. Ellen Gainor wins book award from Theatre Library Association

The George Freedley Memorial Award Special Jury Prize goes to Gainor for “The Routledge Anthology of Women’s Theatre Theory & Dramatic Criticism," which she co-edited.

PMA Visiting Associate Professor Nick Embree’s Scenic Design Featured in “Día de los Muertos” Ballet

Scenic Design created by PMA Visiting Associate Professor Nick Embree will be featured in Día de los Muertos, a new ballet that was created, choreographed, and directed by Maria Konrad. The ballet will be performed at Nashville Ballet in Nashville, TN, from October 17 to October 20. The production will then tour in other cities, including at the Oklahoma City Ballet.

Three dimensional art piece; a honeycomb like construction of white clay

‘Silence’ theme of Society for the Humanities Fall presentations

Six fellows from a broad swath of humanities fields will present their projects in progress during the annual Fall Fellows’ conference, on Friday, Oct. 25.

Professional Directions: A Conversation with Writer and Producer Duran Jones

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for Professional Directions: A Conversation with Writer and Producer Duran Jones. The event will be hosted by PMA Visiting Assistant Professor, Juanie Fowlkes.

PMA Pumpkin Carving Party

You Are Invited!
Please join us in the Schwartz Scene Shop for a Pumpkin Carving Party on Monday, October 28th 6pm-9pm
Bring your own pumpkin, carving tools, paint and snacks to be provided
All PMA students are welcome to attend

Headshots clockwise from top left: Tyler Young, Bryant Lydell, and Maura Chanz

Professional Directions: So You Think You Wanna Produce?

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for Professional Directions: So You Think You Wanna Produce? on Monday, October 28, at 7:00 PM, on Zoom. The event will be hosted by PMA Visiting Assistant Professor, Juanie Fowlkes.

Orlando's Gift

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for Orlando’s Gift, a production by students, faculty, and guest artists, written and directed by PMA Professor David Feldshuh. This new play will have five performances in the Flexible Theatre, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts:

Friday, November 1st, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 2nd, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 8th, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 9th, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 9th, 7:30 p.m.

BIOphelia, Saturday, October 19, A Performance-Infused Scholarship Symposium

PMA Podcast Episode 61 - BIOphelia

In this episode Chris met with Associate Professor Jessica Rosenberg and Cornell senior Tess Lovell to discuss BIOphelia: A Performance Infused Scholarship Symposium. The two part event will incorporate student-centered practice-based-research, performance workshops, scholar-led discussions, and communal engagement.

Jeffrey Palmer and N. Scott Momaday on the set of “Words from a Bear.” Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Palmer.

PMA Associate Professor Jeffrey Palmer to Speak at the New York Society for Ethical Culture

PMA Associate Professor Jeffrey Palmer will be giving a talk titled Earth Keepers: The Land Ethics in Kiowa Storytelling at the New York Society for Ethical Culture in NYC on Sunday October 13, from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM. The talk will also be live streamed on the Society website. Following the talk, the society will be screening his film N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear.