Previous President Notes

Welcome to the American Theatre and Drama Society. We support scholars, artists, and teachers invested in the study of theatre and drama in and of the Americas, its varied histories, traditions, literatures, and performances.

I invite you to peruse our site and its resources to learn more about the organization.  We have much to offer: awards, journals, expert lists, events, and networking opportunities.  Our homepage is currently showcasing our Frick Book Award winners. I hope you will be inspired by the rich, diverse work of these authors.

ATDS is involved in many exciting events in the coming months.

ATDS, along with ATHE, is supporting the Contingent Faculty Publishing Forum at Tufts University in February 2020.  I look forward to the ways ATDS will continue to embrace, support and celebrate scholarship from our colleagues in contingent positions, community colleges, non-academic positions, two year programs, small liberal arts colleges, professional theatre, and research institutions alike. 

We are building on our excellent track record of mentoring across career stages, welcoming new voices, and supporting emerging scholarship. Spearheaded by Heather Nathans,  ATDS will convene a First Book Bootcamp in collaboration with the Theater History Focus Group at ATHE 2020. ATDS will also collaborate with the Black Theatre Association and the Latinx, Indigenous and the Americas Focus Group to organize the annual Spotlight on New Works Panel at ATHE 2020.

Looking yet further ahead, ATDS will co-sponsor the International American Theatre and Drama Conference in Madrid in 2022.  I look forward to sharing updates. 

All of this is possible because of our membership.  Our members’ ideas, labor, energy, and support make this organization what it is. Please take a moment to join our listserv—or, better, become a member today and get involved.

Whether you are an established member, a new member, or a potential member, welcome.  I look forward to working with you. 

Dr. Lisa Jackson-Schebetta
President, American Theatre and Drama Society