ABEL CORNEJO (in blue) with the cast of UTOPIA D2H
Abel Cornejo is a lecturer and multi-media artist whose interests explore the intersection of visceral theatre, science, human psychology and the evolution of digital storytelling. He is devoted to cultivating interdisciplinary collaborations, supporting the actor as a creator and pioneering new evocative areas of undiscovered work.
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EDUCATION
University of California, Santa Cruz MA, Directing Thesis: Digital Acting Techniques during the Rehearsal Process Brooklyn College (CUNY) MFA, Theatre Arts Thesis: Abrons Arts Center-Community based Theatre and New Play Development San Francisco State University BA, Communication Arts: Television, Film and Broadcasting Minor in Graphic Design and Marketing HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT Professor of Theatre University of California, Santa Cruz Miami-Dade College Broward College Florida International University HONORS AND AWARDS 2014 Adjunct Professor of the Year, Broward College Grants Dept. of Cultural Affairs, New Forms Grant Knight Foundation Academy of Teaching National Endowment for the Arts, The Big Read Program Actor Training and Certificates American School of Commedia dell Arte, Certificate Program School of Physical Theatre, Summer Program International School of Corporeal Mime. Steve Wasson and Corrine Soum, Workshop Dell Arte International School of Physical Theatre, Summer Program with Joan Schirle |
For over 20 years I have worked in theatre and education and dedicated myself to providing excellence in learning and opening theatre opportunities for all students.
- Experience in developing and delivering drama related curriculum.
- Proficient in directing and producing drama performances.
- Versed in professional learning modalities within grade levels.
- Dedicated to building a strong classroom community.
Teaching Philosophy
The center of my teaching philosophy is active learning. The classroom becomes an immersive learning lab that requires the active engagement of every student in all class activities. Often a topic is introduced through a lecture, thereafter students are expected to apply it in a practical way, most often by participating in experiential exercises.
My main objectives are as follows:
- To foster critical thinking expertise.
- To facilitate the acquisition of life-learning skills.
- To use collaborative learning projects to facilitate “real-world” problem solving.
I encourage students to tackle problems creatively, which helps them to think outside of conventional boundaries and to seek the deeper meaning of a concept or historical fact. I find that when I can convey my own eagerness to discover more about the theatre arts, it is often contagious enough that students become engaged in learning. I also believe that every student should gain from my classes skills that they will use in their everyday lives. These basic skills include problem solving, critical thinking, group collaboration and effective communication.
