Theater Faculty and Staff

  • Elizabeth Alman

    Associate Professor, School of Theater, CVPA

    Dr. Elizabeth Alman joined the School of Theatre Faculty at Mason in 2015, teaching theatre performance courses, coaching Voice, Speech, Text and Dialects for Mason Players’ productions, and serving on the Faculty Committee for Mason’s Gateway Auditions and Interviews for prospective freshmen and transfer students.
  • Kelly Armstrong

    Adjunct Faculty, School of Theater, CVPA

    Kelly Renee Armstrong is an actor and writer who facilitates creative interaction as an educator.
  • Djola Branner

    Director, School of Theater, CVPA

    Djola Branner (he/him) is an interdisciplinary artist/educator who combines movement, sound and light to give voice to individuals historically absent from the stage. Co-founder of the award winning performance group Pomo Afro Homos, he toured nationally and internationally with their shows Fierce Love: Stories from Black Gay Life and Dark Fruit, and subsequently performed in regional theaters across the country.
  • April E. Brassard

    Adjunct Professor, School of Theater, CVPA

    April E. Brassard is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, TV writer, producer, and professor.
  • Office Manager, School of Theater, CVPA

  • Rick Davis

    Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts, CVPA Executive Director, Hylton Performing Arts Center, CVPA Professor, School of Theater, Theater Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts & Adjunct Faculty, Arts Management, Arts Management…

    Rick joined Mason in 1991 as Artistic Director of Theater of the First Amendment (TFA) and a member of the theater faculty. The company, which presented its final programs in 2012, was nominated for 38 Helen Hayes Awards, winning 12, and originated numerous works that went on to other regional theaters, television, radio, and publication. Read more...
  • Kevin Dunayer

    Associate Professor, School of Theater, CVPA

    At George Mason, Professor Dunayer teaches Sound Design & Event Production.
  • David Gaines

    Adjunct Faculty, School of Theater, CVPA

    David Gaines, is a performer and director who has focused his work almost exclusively on telling stories in movement, mask, improvisation, commedia, and clown.
  • Erin Gardiner

    Assistant Professor, School of Theater, CVPA

    Erin Gardiner is a professional actor and singer in the DC area. 
  • James Gardiner

    Adjunct Faculty, School of Theater, CVPA

    James Gardiner, (B.A. University of Maryland - College Park) is a professional actor and playwright.