Contact

ksalata@fsu.edu
850-644-6796

Dr. Kris Salata is Chair of the School of Theatre (in charge of academic affairs) and Professor in Performance. He holds a Ph.D. in Drama and Humanities from Stanford University. He has published books, articles and book chapters on the experimental practice of Jerzy Grotowski, Konstantin Stanislavsky, Tadeusz Kantor, and the Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards. His recent book, Theatre’s Carnal Prayer: Acting After Grotowski (Routledge, 2020),focuses on the actor’s work as a self-revelatory total act, and on theatre centered on such an act. Founded in theatre practice, Kris Salata’s narrative moves through postmodern philosophy, critical theory, theatre, performance, ritual, and religious studies, concluding that the fundamental structure of prayer, which underpins the actor’s deed, can be found in any self-revelatory creative act.

Education

Joint Ph.D. in Drama and the Humanities, Stanford University, Stanford, California

Teaching Areas

Stage Directing, Performance, and Theory courses in the BA, MA, MFA and Ph.D. programs

Research Areas

Phenomenological, ontological and epistemological aspects of theatre practice with emphasis on Performance as Research

Avant-garde theatre and performance, interdisciplinary studies of the encounter.

Select Scholarly/Creative Works & Awards

• Theatre’s Carnal Prayer: Acting After Grotowski (Routledge, 2020)
• The Unwritten Grotowski: Theory and Practice of the Encounter, Routledge, London, 2012
• Currently working on a new book: Theatre as a Laboratory: Thinking and Practicing Encounter
• Forthcoming book chapters: “Kantor’s and Grotowski’s Poor Theatres.” In: Magda Romanska and Kathleen Cioffi (Eds.), The Theatre of Tadeusz Kantor (Northwestern University Press)
• “Asking, What is Collaboration? On Behalf of Grotowski”. In: Noyale Colin and Stefanie Sachsenmaier (Eds.), Collaboration in Performance Practice: Premise, Workings and Failures. (Palgrave Macmillan)
• Excellence in Teaching Award, Phi Beta Kappa (2014).
• Council of Research and Creativity, Florida State University (2013).
• “Guardian of the Flame” Award, Florida State University (2012).
• Council of Research and Creativity, Florida State University (2008).
• Thomas Marshall Travel Award, American Society for Theatre Research (2006).
• Research Grant, School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford University (2004).
• “Highest Distinction” in directing, Stanford University (2003).
• Research Grant, Center for Russian and East European Studies, Stanford University (2003).