Wayne State University

AIM HIGHER

Profile

James M. Thomas

Professor
313-577-7907
313-577-3508
jthomas@wayne.edu
3225.5 Old Main

Biography
James Thomas, Professor, Head of the PhD Program and Graduate Advisor, is a graduate of St. Ambrose College (BA), Villanova University (MA), and the University of Texas at Austin (PhD).He came to WSU from Florida State University, where he was Associate Dean of the School of Theatre. His most recent directing credits include The Inspector General and Death of a Salesman at the Hilberry Theatre and A Flea in Her Ear at the Bonstelle Theatre.His publications include The Art of the Actor-Manager: Wilson Barrett and the Victorian Theatre and Script Analysis for Actors, Directors and Designers and translation of The Joy of Rehearsal by Russian director Anatoly Efros. He is also director of the department’s Study Abroad Program with the Moscow Art Theatre School.

Academic Interests

 

Script Analysis and Dramaturgy

20th Century Russian Theatre

Early Modern European and American Theatre


Areas of Expertise

 

Directing 


Awards and Honors

 

ATHE Service Recognition Award, 1996


Degrees and Certifications

 

PhD in Theatre History and Criticism, University of Texas at Austin, 1975

MA in Theatre, Villanova University, 1968

BA in Speech and Drama, St. Ambrose College, 1966





Personal Interests

 

Jazz


Recent Publications

The Joy of Rehearsal: Reflections on Interpretation and Practice by Anatoly Efros, Translated by James Thomas, New York: Peter Lang, 2006.

Script Analysis for Actors, Directors and Designers, Boston: Focal Press, 2004 (1979, 1984).

The Art of the Actor-Manager: Wilson Barrett and the Victorian Theatre, Ann Arbor: UMI Research Press, 1984.


Responsibilities

 

Head, PhD Program in Directing-Scholarship-Teaching, Graduate Advisor, and Director, Study Abroad: WSU-Moscow Art Theatre School


Office hours

Monday-Wednesday Friday 10:35-11:45 (walk-in hours)

Other hours by Appointment through the department secretary.