Dr Cynthia Allan Chair of the Department of Communication Acting, Directing, Feminist and Cultural Theory Associate Professor Pittsburg State University Department of Communication Grubbs Hall Room 405 1701 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762 620-235-4724 office phone 620-235-4686 fax callan@pittstate.edu

Dr. Cynthia Allan joined the Department of Communication in 1999 as Director of Theatre. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in performance studies, directing, theatre history, dramatic criticism, film analysis, and intercultural communication.

Dr. Allan previously served as Director of Theatre at Dakota State University from 1993-99, where she taught acting, directing, theatre history, and arts management. She has over 25 years of directing experience in a variety of venues and is author of the performance pieces, The History of Laundry (1998) and Home Movies (2002).

Dr Allan has published in Theatre Studies and The New England Theatre Journal and presented numerous papers at national conferences. She has served on the executive boards of local and national organizations. Dr. Allan is a member of The Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE), the American Theatre and Drama Society (ATDS), Theatre as a Liberal Art (TLA), and the American Society for Theatre Research (ASTR).

“It is my firm conviction that the study of theatre and performance provides all the life skills necessary for success. Creative problem solving, appreciation for deadlines and budgets, a well-developed imagination, tenacity, stamina, critical thinking, and a solid respect for the collaborative process are all part of theatre training and they are attributes highly desired in many areas. Theatre students tend to do well in a variety of careers, including management, law, and administration.”

B.A., Speech/Theatre, Florida Southern College, 1975.
M.A., Theatre Arts, Florida State University, 1976.
PhD., Theatre and Drama, University of Georgia, 1992.

Specialty Areas: Acting, directing, American theatre, feminist and cultural theory.