UT's Joan Lazarus Honored by Theatre Educators

UT Professor Joan Lazarus Honored with National Award

A teacher, artist, researcher and writer, Professor Joan Lazarus is dedicated to engaging young people and their teachers through work in theatre and education. This month, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE) is recognizing Lazarus’ work by awarding her the Campton Bell Lifetime Achievement Award. The prestigious accolade celebrates individuals for their significant contributions to the fields of theatre and education.

Lazarus’ extensive career has provided her the opportunity to serve as a teaching artist, professional actor, director and guest faculty for programs throughout the country.

After receiving her graduate degree from Arizona State University, Lazarus taught and developed statewide youth theatre programs, designed community theatre and drama classes, and initiated the Drama Institute for teachers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since joining the University of Texas at Austin faculty, she has headed the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies and continues to teach improvisation, directing and courses in theatre education.

Lazarus has served as president of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education and on numerous national and regional think tanks and advisory committees. She is author of Theatre Arts Discoveries, the five-part series Theatre Arts Adventures and her new book, Signs of Change: New Directions in Theatre Education.

In addition to the Campton Bell Lifetime Achievement Award, Lazarus has been honored nationally with the Barbara Salisbury Wills Alliance Award.