Mark Lord

Mark Lord is a distinguished figure in theater education and practice, currently serving as the Theresa Helburn Chair of Drama and Professor of Theater at Bryn Mawr College.123 His career at Bryn Mawr College spans several decades, having taught there since 1987.1

Academic Background and Career

Mark Lord is a graduate of Swarthmore College and The Yale School of Drama.1 His extensive experience in theater has shaped his approach to teaching and directing. At Bryn Mawr College, he has held various positions, including:

• Professor of the Arts
• Theresa Helburn Chair of Drama
• Director of the Theater Program4

Teaching Philosophy and Approach

Lord's teaching style emphasizes the intersection of creative and analytical work. The theater program at Bryn Mawr, under his guidance, focuses on combining theory (reading and discussion of dramatic literature, history, and criticism) with practical work (creative exercises, scene study, and performance).2 This approach aims to provide comprehensive theater training within a liberal arts context.

Contributions to Theater Education

As a key figure in the Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges' Theater Program, Lord has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and fostering a vibrant theater community. The program offers:

• Opportunities for students to act, direct, design, and work in technical theater
• Mainstage productions and support for various student theater groups
• A minor in Theater with a focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of theater2

Collaborative Work and Interdisciplinary Approach

Lord has participated in innovative projects that blend different artistic disciplines. For instance, he was part of the Cross Pollination Residency in 2015, where he collaborated with sculptor Shelley Spector and theater-maker Adrienne Mackey. This residency involved exploring the intersections of their respective artistic forms and processes, demonstrating Lord's commitment to interdisciplinary approaches in the arts.1

Recognition

Mark Lord's contributions to theater education have been recognized beyond Bryn Mawr College. He was inducted into the Arts Hall of Fame in 2014, acknowledging his significant impact on the field.5

Throughout his career, Mark Lord has demonstrated a commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression in theater education, making him a respected figure in the field.