Nexus Scholars Program. Top right: Mendi Obadike headshot. Bottom left: Bruce Levitt headshot. Bottom right: Austin Bunn headshot.

Three PMA Faculty Scout for Scholars in Summer 2026 Research Program

PMA faculty members Mendi Obadike, Bruce Levitt, and Austin Bunn have proposed media projects in the Summer 2026 Nexus Scholar Program and are looking for undergraduate researchers to apply. With a deadline of January 12, 2026, The Nexus Scholars Program in the College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) provides undergraduate students with paid, full-time summer research opportunities under the mentorship of faculty from all across the college (humanities, social sciences, and STEM). The program also includes a professional development course, career exploration opportunities, social events, and the chance to join a cohort of 100 students with diverse interests who are passionate about learning.

Mendi Obadike and Keith Obadike
Photo by Anson Wigner

PMA Professor Mendi Obadike to Participate in Marathon Reading of “Studies into Darkness”

PMA Professor Mendi Obadike and AAP Professor Keith Obadike will participate in a marathon reading of the book Studies into Darkness: The Perils and Promise of Freedom of Speech, along with other contributors to the book. The event, organized by the Vera List Center for Art and Politics, will take place virtually from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm EST on November 21. Studies into Darkness was originally released in 2022, edited by Carin Kuoni and Laura Raicovich, and co-published by Amherst College Press and the Vera List Center. Mendi + Keith Obadike will read their work In the Mouth of This Dragon from 8:05 pm to 8:45 pm EST.

CULA: Cornell in Los Angeles

Cornell in Los Angeles Info Sessions

Cornell in Los Angeles is a new study away semester open to all Cornell undergraduate students! Spend the Spring 2027 semester in the global entertainment capital, earning Cornell class credits and having signature L.A. experiences offered by the Department of Performing and Media Arts! Join PMA for one of the following information sessions to find out more about the program and the applications details: • Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, 5pm, Film Forum, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts • Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, 5pm, on Zoom at bit.ly/cula-info25 • Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, 5pm, Film Forum, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts • Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, 5pm, Film Forum, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts • Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, 5pm, on Zoom at bit.ly/cula-info25

Join us to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday

Celebration of Jane Austen's 250th Birthday

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th Birthday, on Friday, November 21st! The event will include a regency dance workshop beginning at 5:45, refreshments, and card games. All are welcome to attend! 🕰5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 📍Room 322, Schwartz Center for Performing Arts Co-sponsored by the Departments of Literatures in English and Performing and Media Arts.

Two students inside a transparent structure in movement poses, with their images also projected on a screen. Share In/Share Out: End-of-Semester PMA Dance Showcase.

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, November 21, at 7:30 pm, and on Saturday, November 22, at 2:00 pm. Both performances are free and open to the public. Get your free tickets at pma.cornell.edu/tickets.

Jessie Taieun Yoon headshot

PMA Ph.D. candidate Jessie Taieun Yoon publishes performance review of "The Butterfly on the Bund 1939"

PMA Ph.D. candidate Jessie Taieun Yoon has published a performance review of the musical The Butterfly on the Bund 1939 in the September 2025 issue of Theatre Journal. Set in 1939 Shanghai, The Butterfly on the Bund 1939 is the first Chinese musical to be licensed in South Korea, and tells a lesbian love story of two women who were involved in different factions of anti-colonial movements during the second Sino-Japanese war. “The musical achieved a huge success in South Korea,” said Yoon, “which I suggest to be attributed to the audiences' enthusiasm for queer women's love story and the two countries' shared history of Japanese colonialism.” The book and lyrics are by An Hua and Xinyuan Zhao, with music by Yutong Zhang and Jianfeng Ye, and direction by Ki-Ppeum Lee. The musical premiered at the TOM Theater in Seoul, South Korea in July, 2024.

L M Feldman headshot

PMA Alum L M Feldman ’01 Premieres New Play at Pittsburgh’s City Theatre

PMA Alum L M Feldman’s new play Another Kind of Silence premiered at Pittsburgh’s City Theatre this fall. As part of its National New Play Rolling World Premiere, the play will also be staged at Denver’s Curious Theatre Company in March, and THE VORTEX in Austin in May. During its premiere, the play received a glowing writeup by Emma Diehl for American Theatre magazine.

Kelly Richmond headshot

PMA Ph.D. Alum Kelly Richmond ‘24 Publishes New Essay About Queer Ecologies

PMA Ph.D. Alum Kelly Richmond ‘24 has written a new publication called ““Forever Unliving and Yet Never Dead”: The Queerly Ecological Hauntings of Nathalie Claude’s The Salon Automaton.” The essay appears in the September 2025 issue of the journal Modern Drama, published by the University of Toronto Press. Richmond is Assistant Professor in Michigan State University’s Residential College in the Arts and Humanities.

Lee Sternthal

Professional Directions: A Conversation with Lee Sternthal

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for Professional Directions: Journeyman of Storytelling with Lee Sternthal, Writer/Director of TRON: Legacy (2010) and The Words (2012) on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 5:00 PM in Room 220, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts.

Rejoice Abutsa and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde on stage at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival

PMA Ph.D. Candidate Rejoice Abutsa Moderates Talk with Nollywood Star Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Rejoice Abutsa, a Ph.D. candidate in Performing and Media Arts, moderated a fireside chat with Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) in San Jose, California. A day after the premiere of Jalade-Ekeinde’s directorial debut feature film, Mother’s Love, the actress/filmmaker was conferred the Trailblazer Award during the festival’s closing night ceremony. As she took to the stage, Abutsa was invited to moderate a fireside chat which explored the actress/filmmaker's career, the evolution of African cinema, and the global impact of Nollywood. In an article published by The Guardian, Nigeria’s independent newspaper, Segun Akinleye writes that the significant exchange between the two “radiated creative galaxies.”

Lakey Wolff headshot

Professional Directions: The Business of the Performing Arts with Talent Manager Lakey Wolff

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for Professional Directions: The Business of the Performing Arts with Talent Manager Lakey Wolff on Thursday, November 6, from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, in Schwartz 220. The guest will join virtually on Zoom. The event will be moderated by PMA Assistant Professor of the Practice Danielle Russo and is free and open to the public.

Jason Collins

Professional Directions: A Conversation with Jason Collins

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for Professional Directions: From the Ground Up: Producing & Curating Live Performance with Jason Collins, the curator of the Spiegeltent at Bard Summerscape and producer at the Fisher Center at Bard on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 5:30 PM in Room 220, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. The guest will join virtually on Zoom. This event is moderated by PMA Assistant Professor of the Practice Danielle Russo and is free and open to the public.

Black-and-white portrait of a Antuan Byers in a chunky knit sweater, seated in a chair turned backward with arms folded over the backrest.
Nick Suarez

Professional Directions: A Conversation with Antuan Byers

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for Professional Directions: Setting Your Own Stage: The Choreography of Organizing a Life in the Arts with Antuan Byers, Founder/Director of Black Dance Change Makers and Vice President of Dancers at the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5:30 PM on Zoom. The event will be hosted by PMA Assistant Professor of the Practice Danielle Russo and is free and open to the public.

director John Krokidas, actors Daniel Radcliffe, Dane Dehaan, and Ben Foster, and producer Christine Vachon speaking on stage at The Metrograph NYC

PMA Professor Austin Bunn’s Film “Kill Your Darlings” Screens at Metrograph

On October 5, NYC art house cinema Metrograph held a screening and Q&A for the 2013 film Kill Your Darlings, which was co-written by PMA Professor Austin Bunn. The Q&A featured director John Krokidas, actors Daniel Radcliffe, Dane Dehaan, and Ben Foster, and producer Christine Vachon, and was moderated by filmmaker Ira Sachs. Bunn, who was in attendance, spoke to us about the original idea for his screenplay and the experience of seeing the film 12 years later.

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

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

To be a PMA Major/Minor in 2025 is to enter a creative world where you receive training and opportunities that equip you to become responsible, ethical creative professionals. But one of the many problems with entering in the media industries of film, television, and theater lies with the lack of clear pathways to careers and gainful employment. In this series we call “What’s Next?!”, PMA faculty Dr. Kristen Warner will lead 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.

Ola Mohammed headshot

PMAPS Colloquium with Dr. Ola Mohammed

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for PMAPS Colloquium: The Black Nowhere: Sonic Architectures of Dispossession by Dr. Ola Mohammed, Assistant Professor at York University, on Friday, November 7, from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, in the Film Forum, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. This event is free and open to the public.

On left, Bruce Levitt headshot. On right, Isaac I. Scott headshot

PMA Professor Bruce Levitt Featured in The Little Patuxent Review

PMA Professor Bruce Levitt and Multidisciplinary Visual Artist Isaac I. Scott were featured in an interview called The Social Mirror: An Interview with Bruce Levitt and Isaac Scott in Little Patuxent Review. The interview was conducted by Ann Bracken for the review’s Summer 2025 edition, Issue 38, entitled “Exploring Literature and the Arts.”

Samuel Buggeln

PMA Podcast Episode 70 with Sam Buggeln, Director of I WANT A COUNTRY

In this episode, Christopher Christensen met with Samuel Buggeln to discuss his upcoming production of 'I Want a Country' written by Andreas Flourakis. In their conversation, they explored his role as visiting lecturer and director at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts and his role as artistic and executive director at the Cherry Arts located in downtown Ithaca. He offered insight into his ongoing work as director of the production, his collaboration with students and faculty at Cornell, and examined the core question presented by the play: when does a nation stop being a home?

A group of people sitting at tables

The American Pavilion's Worldwide Student Program Information Sessions

If you're interested in a career in the international motion picture, event management, business, marketing, journalism, or hospitality fields, consider complementing your school curriculum with hands-on experience, direct access to industry professionals, and unparalleled networking opportunities at the world-renowned Cannes International Film Festival.

A lighthouse in the distance in the middle of the ocean, with a dock, boat and suitcase in the foreground. I Want a Country A Play by Andreas Flourakis Translated by Eleni Drivas Direction by Samuel Buggeln

I Want a Country

Join PMA for a production of I Want a Country, a play by Andreas Flourakis, translated by Eleni Drivas, and directed by Samuel Buggeln, Artistic and Executive Director of The Cherry Arts. The show will take place in the Flex Theatre, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, on Friday, October 24, at 7:30 pm; Saturday, October 25, at 7:30 pm; Friday, October 31, at 7:30 pm; and Saturday, November 1, at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm.

Roya Carreras Fereshtehnejad on the ground in a movement pose facing a microphone and cord that are coiled on the ground.

Is a Hum a Warning?

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for Is a Hum a Warning? a performance-lecture and Q&A by accomplished choreographer Roya Carreras Fereshtehnejad on Wednesday, October 15, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, in the Class of '56 Dance Studio Theatre (SB 10), Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. As a certified instructor in the American Ballet Theatre Method, Roya will also teach an open level ballet class on Thursday, October 16, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm, in Studio 320, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. This event is free and open to the public; all dancing bodies welcome and embraced. 

DJ Rhettmatic headshot

PMA 1183 Guest Performer and Speaker: DJ Rhettmatic

Join PMA for PMA 1183 Guest Performer and Speaker: DJ Rhettmatic, presented by PMA 1183 FWS: Hip-Hop’s Global Vibrations (NYC, LA, Southeast Asia). This event will take place on Zoom on Wednesday, November 19, from 8:40am - 9:55am. Join on Zoom: https://bit.ly/pma1183

Aaron Joseph headshot

PMA 1183 Guest Speaker: Scholar/Musician Aaron Joseph

Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for PMA 1183 Guest Speaker: Scholar/Musician Aaron Joseph on Wednesday November 5, 8:40am-9:55am, Hybrid: Eisner Pavillion Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts and on Zoom. This event is presented by PMA 1183 FWS: Hip-Hop’s Global Vibrations (NYC, LA, Southeast Asia), and is free and open to the public.

Rejoice Abutsa headshot

PMA Ph.D. Candidate Rejoice Abutsa to Moderate Panel About Decolonizing Media Narratives on Africa

PMA Ph.D. Candidate Rejoice Abutsa will moderate a panel called “Decolonizing Media Narratives on Africa” at 3pm on September 17, at the Africana Studies and Research Center. Attendees can also join virtually. The event is part of the Institute for African Development Colloquium Series and will feature Wunpini Mohammed, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication; j. Siguru Wahutu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and African Studies; and Msia Kibona Clark, Associate Professor in the Department of African Studies, and Director of the Hip-Hop Studies Minor at Howard University.

Tatiana Bustos headshot

PMA Alum Tatiana Bustos ‘24 Joins Steppenwolf Theatre as Marketing Associate

PMA Alum Tatiana Bustos ‘24 has started a new position as the Marketing Associate at Steppenwolf Theatre. “I have always known that theater administration would be my career path after graduation,” said Bustos. “I am so grateful for the experiences I had in PMA which introduced me to amazing Professors Ellen Gainor and Aoise Stratford, who mentored and guided me through my time at Cornell.

Tanmay Dhanania

Acting Masterclass: Tanmay Dhanania

During this masterclass, participants will gain insights into performing for international cinema and television, learning essential techniques for preparing camera-ready roles. Dhanania will share his "Actor as Maker" approach, a methodology he has successfully implemented in his professional career and taught across the globe.

DJ Wee Jay, Thatflypinay, and January at a turntable

DJ Collective Manila Sound

Join PMA for DJ Collective Manila Sound Presented by PMA 1183 FWS: Hip-Hop’s Global Vibrations (NYC, LA, Southeast Asia). This event will take place on Zoom on Wednesday, September 10, from 8:40am - 9:55am. There will be a short DJ turntablist performance, followed by a Q&A session. Join on Zoom: https://bit.ly/pma1183

Samantha Sheppard, Department Chair

Chats with the Chair

"Chats with the Chair" invites PMA majors, minors, and those interested in the department to join the chair for food and fellowship.

Jennifer Williams headshot
Photo credit: Lucas Godlewski

PMA Alum Jennifer Williams ‘15 Publishes New Book

PMA Alum Jennifer Williams ’15 has written a new book called Archaeology of the Political Unconscious: Theater and Opera in East Berlin: 1967-1977. The book, published by Routledge in 2024, is part of the Advances in Theatre & Performance Studies series. It is based on the dissertation Williams wrote at Cornell, which included research in Berlin’s state archives supported by a Fulbright grant.

PMA dance students on stage
Thomas Hoebbel Photography

Cornell Campus Dance Gathering Fall 2025

Love to dance? Love dance history? Curious about choreography or minoring in Dance at Cornell? Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for a campus-wide community gathering!

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