Dr. Alan Kreizenbeck
Director, Linehan Artist Scholar Program

B.S. Education, University of Colorado
M.A. Theatre and Dance, University of Colorado
Ph.D Drama, New York University

Dr. Kreizenbeck’s interests include American theatre, acting theory, and contemporary playwrights. He has received fellowships from the Shubert organization and the National Endowment for the Humanities. His book, Zoe Akins: Broadway Playwright was published in 2004. His essays are included in books on American directors, American theatre in the 1920's, and notable contemporary plays. He has published in numerous professional journals and made presentations at regional and national conferences. Professor Kreizenbeck has directed in university and professional theatres throughout the United States, winning “best production” awards in Denver and Houston. Named UMBC's Honors College Professor of the Year in 2003, he teaches courses in theatre and social protest, acting, and theatre history. He heads the Institute of Research in Art and Social Development, which conducts arts programs in area public schools.  Dr. Kreizenbeck also works with a community-based outreach organization to create and present plays with elementary school children in Baltimore. He directed a production of Bang, Bang You're Dead and a group-created piece on literacy that were presented at neighborhood centers throughout the city. Contact: kreizenb@umbc.edu

J

Q and A with the Director, Dr. Alan Kreizenbeck

How did you become interested in theatre and the other arts?
My mother was an actress in community theatre productions and one of my earliest memories is going to one of her rehearsals. I was in theatre producitons in middle school and upper school, but my interest in theatre didn't really develop until I went to college.  I was very attracted to avant-garde, non-conventional training and performance.  Luckily, I was able to participate in workshops and study with many of the world's leading theatre practitioners of that kind of work.  I still attend workshops and lectures on a regular basis. As I developed as a theatre artist, I realized the necessity of exposing myself to other art forms.  I love visual arts and music; I work consitently to learn more about them.  I attend numerous dance producitlons every year and have a strong interest in physical performance.

What do you do at UMBC?
I have several jobs here at UMBC.  I direct the Linehan Artist Scholars Program, a merit scholarship program for high achieving arts students.  I teach various performance, history, and literature courese for the Department of Theatre. I work in Baltimore City classrooms, using theatre and other arts to promote the school system's core curriculum.   And I do literary and historical research--I am currently working on an article about the Federal Theatre Project and a book about the concept of "people's theatre."

What creative and special opportunities do students have in Linehan Artist Scholar Program?  
This program is a fantastic opportunity for highly motivated students to develop as artists in a liberal arts environment.  Students are taken on two field trips yearly to arts events and venues in New York City, Washington, D.C., or Philadelphia.  First-year Linehan students participate in a year-long seminar that exposes them to art at UMBC and in Baltimore.  Future plans call for service projects related to the arts, salons where students can present their works to their peers, and a performance and exhibit by graduating students. Special internships for Linehan students is also in the works. Linehan students are eligible to live on the Visual and Performing Arts floor of Harbor Hall, one of UMBC's newest dormintories.Here Linehans can share their artistic ideas and projects with students with similar interests.

How does the Linehan Program prepare students for a career or graduate study?
Students graduating from the Linehan program find themselves on the cutting edge of new concepts and developments in the arts.  They will have access to a well-developed network of peers and mentors.  By the time they graduate, Linehans will have had many opportunities to exhibit / perform their work.  They will have the benefit of career counseling by faculty and visiting artists, enabling them to pursue optimal opportunities in graduate work and/or career development.