Barbara A. Burgess-Lefebvre, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of English and Theatre (Arts & Humanities)
lefebvre@rmu.edu 412-397-5409 phone (M) 412-397-6468 fax Wheatley Center 216

Educational Background

• Master of Fine Arts, Directing, Illinois State University, 1989
• Bachelor of Arts, English Writing/Drama, State University of New York at Potsdam, 1981

Professional Background

• Professionally directing, acting, fight directing and designing costumes for 20 years
• Pittsburgh New Works: Up and Away (2023) Awarded best play Kissing Jennifer in the Moonlight (2022) I know what you did (2021) License and Registration (2019)
• Little Lake Theatre: Pippin (awarded Best Direction of a Musical: Broadway World Pittsburgh 2023 Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play 2023
• Stage 62: Sondheim on Sondheim (2023) Disney's Descendants (2022)
• Pittsburgh Musical Theater (Acting, Costume Design, Fight Choreography) Richard E. Rauh Conservatory (Directing/Fight Choreography) Buckhannon Theatre (Acting/Directing) Steppenwolf Theatre (Costume Design/Assistant Stage management/Props construction)

Area of Expertise/Research

• Recognized as an actor/combatant in 6 weapons styles by the American Society of Fight Directors. (unarmed, quarterstaff, smallsword, quarterstaff, rapier and dagger, broadsword)
• Walt Disney World: Immersive Storytelling; Leadership strategies, Inclusion for guests
• Directing Acting Stage Combat Choreography Costume Design Dramaturgy Make-up Design

Presentations

• 2023 - TEAAS: Best practices in guest assistance at Theme parks
• 2021 - TEAAS: "Where do you think you are?" Immersive experiences in WDW, guest perceptions
• 2013 - Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Region II Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship response