Robert Caisley Named Chair of Department of Theatre Arts

The University of Idaho College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences is proud to announce the selection of Robert Caisley as chair of the Department of Theatre Arts beginning Monday, Aug. 19, 2019.

Caisley came to the U of I in August 2001. He was promoted to associate professor and head of the Dramatic Writing Program in 2006 and then to professor of theatre in 2013.

He has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, dramatic literature, new play development and various special topics in modern drama. Since 2009, Caisley has worked to create course content that can be delivered in a variety of modalities (peer-to-peer learning, video-conferencing, blended classrooms, student-driven learning, etc.).

“After almost eighteen years at this institution, I am honored to be considered for this important leadership role,” Caisley said. “I look forward to tackling new challenges, engaging with colleagues and students at home and in other academic disciplines. I hope to inspire a fresh and lively dialogue across campus and the greater community about ways to advance the mission of the performing arts.”

Caisley is a renowned artist, director and playwright in his own right. He has written 21 original plays, which have been performed across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom and translated into Italian, French, Estonian, Spanish and Czech. “Lucky Me” and “Happy” were selected for National New Play Network Rolling World Premieres in 2014-15 and 2012-13, respectively. He received a Fellowship in the Performing Arts from the Idaho Commission on the Arts in 2015 and was a visiting playwright or guest artist at conferences, universities and theatrical companies repeatedly since 1992. Caisley is currently under commission from San Antonio Playhouse where his new play will premiere in June of 2020.

“Robert Caisley is an amazingly accomplished playwright and director. He’s been at the University of Idaho for almost two decades and boasts a highly decorated career,” said Sean Quinlan, dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. “He is a major creative force in the theatrical and our local communities. It’s wonderful that he’s stepping into the chair position. The college looks forward to working with him as we move forward together."

The Department of Theatre Arts offers a bachelor of fine arts, science and arts (BFA, B.A. and B.S.) in theatre arts, as well as a Master of Fine Arts degree that can be completed on-campus or online.

Written by Kathy Foss, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
Posted July 2019