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Denise Blank, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor, Theatre
Office Location: 428 S. Randall Rd.
Telephone: 630-844-4896
Fax: 630-844-7830
Email Address: dblank@aurora.edu
I believe the strongest preparation for life is developing communication skills through an integrated body-mind-ethos approach. The history, theory and practice of theatre encompass all these in powerful ways, and study of all three is necessary to develop any one area. My background is eclectic, having come to academia after years in elementary education, industry associations and corporate environments, in teaching, editorial and graphic arts, all underpinning a continuing professional acting and vocal career. I prefer to direct in a collaborative model, and integrate many stylistic approaches, including Viewpoints and physical systems outside traditional theatre.
Education
M.F.A. Acting - Indiana University, Bloomington
B.A. Communications & Theatre/English - University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
In progress: M.N.A. (Masters in Nonprofit Administration) - Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame (projected completion Fall 2009)
Areas of Specialization
Acting
Movement
Courses Taught
Introduction to Theatre
Acting I
Acting II
Shakespeare in Performance
Performance Styles
History of Theatre: Americas & Australia
Drama Literature
Directing
Highlights of Publications, Honors and Professional Contributions
Written/adapted two full-length scripts ("Heroic Journeys" and "seasonForgiving")
Begun and maintain departmental service projects with Season of Concern (Chicago), Holy Angels Food Pantry (Aurora) and Humanitarian Service Project of Kane and DuPage Counties.
Highlights of Campus Involvement
Advisor to T.A.P.S. (The Actors' & Playwrights' Society) student organization, 4 years
Director of productions: "The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket" (2006), "seasonForgiving" (2007), "On the Verge" (2007), "Anna in the Tropics" (2008), "As You Like It" (2008)
Served on ad hoc committees on recruitment, retention and undecided majors; and environmental sustainability
Other Interests
Music and dance
Visual arts
Swimming
Yoga
Active in Roman Catholic church liturgy
