Maisha S. Akbar, Ph.D.
Fort Valley State University
Department of Visual and Performing Arts and Media Studies
1005 State University Drive
Fort Valley, GA 31030
Email: akbarm@fvsu.edu
Phone: (478) 825-6989
Education
Post Doctoral Studies Northwestern University Center for Global Culture and Communication 2007 Summer Institute Fellow, “Performance and Excess,” Chicago, Illinois June 25-29, 2007
Ph.D. University of Texas, Austin – Austin, Texas
Communications Studies (Emphasis: Performance Studies), 2007
M.A. University of California, Berkeley - Berkeley California
Folklore, 2000
B.A. Southern University and A&M College - Baton Rouge, LA
History, 1991
Publications
Akbar, Maisha S. Preaching the Blues: Black Women’s Feminist Performances in Lynching Plays. Oxon: Routledge (2020)
Akbar, Maisha S., “Is There a Black Acting Method? A Symposium Makes the Case,“ www.americantheatre.org (October 30, 2019)
M.A. University of California, Berkeley - Berkeley California
Folklore, 2000
B.A. Southern University and A&M College - Baton Rouge, LA
History, 1991
Publications
Akbar, Maisha S. Preaching the Blues: Black Women’s Feminist Performances in Lynching Plays. Oxon: Routledge (2020)
Akbar, Maisha S., “Is There a Black Acting Method? A Symposium Makes the Case,“ www.americantheatre.org (October 30, 2019)
Certifications
Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) Leadership Institute Class of 2012, Washington D.C., July 31-August 2, 2012
Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) Leadership Institute Class of 2012, Washington D.C., July 31-August 2, 2012
Selected Conference Papers/Workshops
Respondent, International Black Acting Methods Studio Symposium, Atlanta Georgia, (September 6-7, 2019)
Panel Chair/Presenter, “Black Cosplay at Black Panther,” 104th Annual National Communication Association Convention: Communication at Play, Salt Lake City, Utah, (November 10, 2018)
Respondent, International Black Acting Methods Studio Symposium, Atlanta Georgia, (September 6-7, 2019)
Panel Chair/Presenter, “Black Cosplay at Black Panther,” 104th Annual National Communication Association Convention: Communication at Play, Salt Lake City, Utah, (November 10, 2018)
Workshop Facilitator, “How to Avoid the Service Trap,“ Fifth Annual Faculty Women of Color in the Academy National Conference, Blackburg, Virginia, (April 2-3, 2017)
Respondent, “Booby Hatch” and “Young, Gifted & Fat: Auto/biographical Plays as Civic Discourse,” National Communication Association 102nd Annual Convention, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (November 12, 2016)
Presenter, “Precarity, Performance and Protest in Lynching Plays,” Black Women, Precarity and Social Change: Expanding the Boundaries of the Political. National Women’s Studies Association 36th Annual Conference, (November 13, 2015)
Presenter, “Renewing A Tradition: Lynching Dramas, Adaptation and Resistance” Journeys of Renewal: Revising Novels for the Stage, Dream Acts: Performance as Refuge, Resistance and Renewal: Association of Theatre in Higher Education Conference, (July 26, 2014 [in absentia])
Presenter, “Enhancing Critical Thinking Through Black Drama, An HBCU Initiative,” Association of Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) P(L)AY, (August 2, 2013)
Presenter, “Off the Chain: Blacks, Social Media and D’Jango Unchained,” Blacks in Tech, SXSW 2013, Austin, Texas, (March 9, 2013)
Chair and Presenter, “Building ‘Communiversity’ through Performance,” Black Theater By Design: Black Theatre Network 26th Annual Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, (July 27-30, 2012)
Chair and Respondent, “Examining Emmitt Till Through Performance,” Fort Valley State University 2nd Annual Research Day: Scholarship in Action, Fort Valley, Georgia, (April 12, 2012)
Presenter, “Black Women’s Performances of Citizenship,” 2012 Women’s Pre-Research Day Conference, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, Georgia, (March 6, 2012)
Presenter, “Precarity, Performance and Protest in Lynching Plays,” Black Women, Precarity and Social Change: Expanding the Boundaries of the Political. National Women’s Studies Association 36th Annual Conference, (November 13, 2015)
Presenter, “Renewing A Tradition: Lynching Dramas, Adaptation and Resistance” Journeys of Renewal: Revising Novels for the Stage, Dream Acts: Performance as Refuge, Resistance and Renewal: Association of Theatre in Higher Education Conference, (July 26, 2014 [in absentia])
Presenter, “Enhancing Critical Thinking Through Black Drama, An HBCU Initiative,” Association of Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) P(L)AY, (August 2, 2013)
Presenter, “Off the Chain: Blacks, Social Media and D’Jango Unchained,” Blacks in Tech, SXSW 2013, Austin, Texas, (March 9, 2013)
Chair and Presenter, “Building ‘Communiversity’ through Performance,” Black Theater By Design: Black Theatre Network 26th Annual Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, (July 27-30, 2012)
Chair and Respondent, “Examining Emmitt Till Through Performance,” Fort Valley State University 2nd Annual Research Day: Scholarship in Action, Fort Valley, Georgia, (April 12, 2012)
Presenter, “Black Women’s Performances of Citizenship,” 2012 Women’s Pre-Research Day Conference, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, Georgia, (March 6, 2012)
Presenter, “Who Can Count the Number of Apples in a Seed? ‘Passing’ and
Transformational Leadership in Academia,” Building Bridges: National Communication Association 96th Annual Convention, San Francisco, California, (November 17, 2010)
Presenter, “Representing the Unspeakable: ‘Unintelligibilities’ in Morrison’s The Bluest Eye.” Toni Morrison and Circuits of the Imagination: The Sixth Biennial Conference of the Toni Morrison Society, Paris, France, (November 4, 2010)
Chair/Adapter, “God Bless the Child That’s Got Her Own: A Chamber Theater
Adaptation of Suzan Lori Parks’ Getting Mother’s Body (2004), National Communication Association (NCA) Conference, (November 11-14, 2009)
Panelist, “Playing with Fire: Pedagogy, Performance and the Politics of Adapting Black Women's Literature into Visual Media, Association of Theater in Higher Education (ATHE) Conference, (August 11, 2009)
Presenter, "Counter Hegemonic Performance: Black Dramatists Re-Vision Lynching," Association of Theater in Higher Education (ATHE) Conference, New York, New York, (August 9, 2009)
Moderator, “Theatrical Magic in the Black Diaspora,” Black Theater Network Conference, Orlando, Florida, (August 5, 2008)
Presenter, “Insurgent Acts: Staging Counter-Hegemonic Lynching Performances,” Northwestern University Center for Global Culture and Communication 2007 Summer Institute, “Performance and Excess,” Evanston, Illinois, (June 25-29, 2007)
Play Production
Faculty Advisor/Producing Director, Joseph Adkins Players, Fort Valley State University, Fall 2009- Present
“A Drama Homecoming: Two One Act Plays by Harlem Renaissance Writers,” October 6-8, 2019
“Black Drama and HBCU Performance,” Douglass Theatre HBCU Art Series, February 21, 2019
“JAP Small Doses: A Night of Music, Comedy and Drama,” December 5, 2018”
“We Go High: A Tribute to President Barack and Michelle Obama,“ February 13, 2017
“S.T.E.A.M. Lab Experiments,” including “Temptation in the Valley,” October 24 - November 1, 2016
“Be Free: A FVSU Black History Month Celebration,” February 18, 2016
Transformational Leadership in Academia,” Building Bridges: National Communication Association 96th Annual Convention, San Francisco, California, (November 17, 2010)
Presenter, “Representing the Unspeakable: ‘Unintelligibilities’ in Morrison’s The Bluest Eye.” Toni Morrison and Circuits of the Imagination: The Sixth Biennial Conference of the Toni Morrison Society, Paris, France, (November 4, 2010)
Chair/Adapter, “God Bless the Child That’s Got Her Own: A Chamber Theater
Adaptation of Suzan Lori Parks’ Getting Mother’s Body (2004), National Communication Association (NCA) Conference, (November 11-14, 2009)
Panelist, “Playing with Fire: Pedagogy, Performance and the Politics of Adapting Black Women's Literature into Visual Media, Association of Theater in Higher Education (ATHE) Conference, (August 11, 2009)
Presenter, "Counter Hegemonic Performance: Black Dramatists Re-Vision Lynching," Association of Theater in Higher Education (ATHE) Conference, New York, New York, (August 9, 2009)
Moderator, “Theatrical Magic in the Black Diaspora,” Black Theater Network Conference, Orlando, Florida, (August 5, 2008)
Presenter, “Insurgent Acts: Staging Counter-Hegemonic Lynching Performances,” Northwestern University Center for Global Culture and Communication 2007 Summer Institute, “Performance and Excess,” Evanston, Illinois, (June 25-29, 2007)
Play Production
Faculty Advisor/Producing Director, Joseph Adkins Players, Fort Valley State University, Fall 2009- Present
“A Drama Homecoming: Two One Act Plays by Harlem Renaissance Writers,” October 6-8, 2019
“Black Drama and HBCU Performance,” Douglass Theatre HBCU Art Series, February 21, 2019
“JAP Small Doses: A Night of Music, Comedy and Drama,” December 5, 2018”
“We Go High: A Tribute to President Barack and Michelle Obama,“ February 13, 2017
“S.T.E.A.M. Lab Experiments,” including “Temptation in the Valley,” October 24 - November 1, 2016
“Be Free: A FVSU Black History Month Celebration,” February 18, 2016
Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harding, November 16-18, 2015
“A Celebration of Performance Scholarship and Activism,” March 4, 5, 2015
“Selfies: Performance, Media and Identity, November 19-20, 2014
“A Celebration of Performance Scholarship and Activism,” March 4, 5, 2015
“Selfies: Performance, Media and Identity, November 19-20, 2014
Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine: A Drama Suite for Social Justice, March 3-5, 2014
Ti-Jean and His Brothers, by Derek Walcott April 8-9, 2013
“J.A.P. Unchained: A Critical Examination of Slavery, February 7, 2013
“Saving White Face,” April 12, 2012.
Crowns: A Gospel Play, March 1-4, 2012. (co-producer)
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, by Ntozake Shange, Fall, 2011
“Opening Act” Taste of Soul Macon: “Let the Good Times Roll.” April, 2011
The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe, April 13-15, 2011.
“Saving the Drama for the Stage: A Spring Variety Show,” March 2011
Ti-Jean and His Brothers, by Derek Walcott April 8-9, 2013
“J.A.P. Unchained: A Critical Examination of Slavery, February 7, 2013
“Saving White Face,” April 12, 2012.
Crowns: A Gospel Play, March 1-4, 2012. (co-producer)
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, by Ntozake Shange, Fall, 2011
“Opening Act” Taste of Soul Macon: “Let the Good Times Roll.” April, 2011
The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe, April 13-15, 2011.
“Saving the Drama for the Stage: A Spring Variety Show,” March 2011
Zooman and the Sign by Charles Fuller, October 10-14, 2010
The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler, Spring 2010
“God Bless the Child That’s Got Her Own,” adaptation from Suzan Lori Parks’ Getting Mother’s Body, October 21-23, 2009
Keynote Poet/Performer, “4th Annual Small Business Expo: Business Strategies for the New Economy.” Fort Valley State University Rural Business Outreach Institute, Fort Valley, GA. March 24, 2011
Lead Actress/”Angel”, Blues For An Alabama Sky, Warner Robins (GA) Community Theater, February 2010
Choreographer/Dancer, Dido and Aeneus, Albany State University, March 28-20, 2009
Director, 365 Days/Plays, Albany State University, Week of October 8-14, 2007
Contributor, “The Book of Daniel,” Austin Latino/Latina Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Organization (ALLGO), Austin, Texas, April 24-27, 2005
Director, Reader’s Theater-“Salute to African and African American Writer’s Celebration and Tea Event,” Writer’s League of Texas, Austin, Texas-February, 2003
Assistant Director - “Hospice” and “The Late Bus to Mecca” by Pearl Cleage. Pro Arts Theater Collective, Austin, Texas – October, 2002
Performance Ethnographer - "It's All Over But the Shoutin.'" University of Texas at Austin, Department of Communications Studies, Spring 1999
Invited Presentations
Preaching the Blues: Black Feminist Performance in Lynching Plays book talk. Auburn Avenue Research Library, Atlanta, Georgia. March 7, 2020.
“A Blueswoman Matters: Black Women’s Representational Practices in Lynching Plays,” College of Arts and Sciences, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, Georgia. February 26, 2015
“(Re) Examining Race and Gender in Lynching Plays,” Center for Southern Studies and African American Studies Department (Joint Invitation), Mercer University, Macon, Georgia. January 23, 2014
“It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop: African-American Performance Practices in the United States,” St. Edwards University School of Humanities Guest Lecture, March 30, 2006
Digital Scholarship
Black.Play.Book. www.BlackPlayBook.com
I author and maintain a blog site which seeks to re-vision “black play” as cultural production that counters gender, race and class based oppression. As such BlackPlayBook performs within a womanist/black feminist tradition on a “play-ground” of black performance, scholarship and activism. BlackPlayBook references a special issue of Theatre Journal v57, n4 (December 2005) that asks, “What is Black Play?”
Digital Media Studios, On Air Talent, www.ehow.com, June 2013 – present
“How to Make Cheap Opera Masks”
“How to Paint My Face Like ‘The Phantom of the Opera’”
“What Materials for Stage Outfits?”
“School Play Outfit Ideas for ‘Grease’”
“How to Make A Brick Wall Backdrop for a Children’s Play”
“Three Types of Medieval Plays"
“How to Hide a Hairline of a Wig with Stage Makeup”
“How to Cast a Guitarist”
“Grants for Drama Costumes”
“How to Do Stage Makeup to Look Like a Hag”
Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, Fort Valley State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Visual and Performing Arts and Mass Communications – February, 2015 – present.
Founding Theatre and Performance Studies Concentration Coordinator- August, 2015 - Present
COMM 1110: Public Speaking
THEA 1203: Oral Interpretation
THEA 2424: Survey of Theatre History
THEA 3373: Intermediate Acting
THEA 3700: Dramatic Literature, Theory and Criticism
THEA 4103: Performance, Media and Communication
THEA 4374: Theatre Practicum
DRAM 4375: Play Production II
Assistant Professor (tenured), Fort Valley State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts, Humanities and Mass Communications Department- August, 2009- February, 2015.
COMM 1110: Public Speaking
DRAM 4374: Play Production I
DRAM 4375: Play Production II
Assistant Professor, Albany State University, College of Arts and Humanities, Fine Arts Department- Fall, 2006-Summer, 2009
COMM 1100: Fundamentals of Public Speaking
COMM 2200: Small Group Dynamics
COMM 2060: Advanced Public Speaking
COMM 3150: Introduction to Forensics
COMM 3340: Speech for Elementary/Middle School Teachers
COMM 4000: Intercultural Communication
COMM 4100: Parliamentary Procedure
THEA 2905: Production and Performance
THEA 4760: Theater Seminar (Introduction to Critical Lynching Studies)
Post Doctoral Associate, St. Edward’s University, School of Humanities, Communication Department- 2005-2006
THEA 4374: Theatre Practicum
DRAM 4375: Play Production II
Assistant Professor (tenured), Fort Valley State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts, Humanities and Mass Communications Department- August, 2009- February, 2015.
COMM 1110: Public Speaking
DRAM 4374: Play Production I
DRAM 4375: Play Production II
Assistant Professor, Albany State University, College of Arts and Humanities, Fine Arts Department- Fall, 2006-Summer, 2009
COMM 1100: Fundamentals of Public Speaking
COMM 2200: Small Group Dynamics
COMM 2060: Advanced Public Speaking
COMM 3150: Introduction to Forensics
COMM 3340: Speech for Elementary/Middle School Teachers
COMM 4000: Intercultural Communication
COMM 4100: Parliamentary Procedure
THEA 2905: Production and Performance
THEA 4760: Theater Seminar (Introduction to Critical Lynching Studies)
Post Doctoral Associate, St. Edward’s University, School of Humanities, Communication Department- 2005-2006
COMM 1306: Public Speaking
COMM 1317: Introduction to Communication
COMM 1317: Introduction to Communication
Professional Development/Awards
Member, Faculty Development Learning Community, University System of Georgia, January 2019 – May 2019
Cross Curriculum Module Design Workshop: Enhancing STEM for the 21st Century Student, Fort Valley State University -Title III, June 2018 – December 2019
Fort Valley State University Presidential Research Enhancement Program (PREP) Grant, Black Drama and Black History Documentary (Pre-Production), 2017- 2018
Fort Valley State University Research Day Planning Committee “Outstanding Service Award,” April 15, 2014
Fort Valley State University Center for Enhancing Critical Thinking “Commendation for Outstanding Contributions as Chair of Campus Engagement Subcommittee,” April 11, 2013
Fort Valley State University Student Government Association “Outstanding Service Award,” Joseph Adkins Players Student Drama Group (faculty adviser), 2012-2013
Travel Award Grantee, STEM Women of Color Conclave, Washington D.C., June 9-11, 2012
“Commendation,” Center for Enhancing Critical Thinking, “Critical Thinking Day,” April 26, 2012
“Georgia’s Most Influential Women of 2011” The Informer v. 3, Issue 2 (March 2011)
City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, 2007 Cultural Arts Funding Fellow, Economic
Growth and Redevelopment Services Office, Austin Texas, 2006-2007 (declined)
Lloyd C. and Lillian G. Kerley Scholarship, Inc. Recipient, Austin, Texas, Fall 2005
Marjorie Davisson Parker Fellowship - University of Texas at Austin, 2003-2004
Marjorie Davisson Parker Fellowship, University of Texas at Austin, 2001-2002
Service
Member, John W. Davisson Distinguished Lecture Series Committee, Fall 2019 – present
Member, The Historic Douglass Theater’s Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Art Series Committee Fall 2018 - present
Member, Fort Valley State University Tenure and Promotion Committee, Fall 2017-Fall 2019
Manuscript Reviewer, Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, 2017
Service
Member, John W. Davisson Distinguished Lecture Series Committee, Fall 2019 – present
Member, The Historic Douglass Theater’s Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Art Series Committee Fall 2018 - present
Member, Fort Valley State University Tenure and Promotion Committee, Fall 2017-Fall 2019
Manuscript Reviewer, Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, 2017
Member, Fort Valley State University Academic Taskforce Committee, Fall 2016 – Fall 2017
Presenter/Director, “A Mother’s Despair,” A Healthy Heart and Mental Health Wine Taste, Fort Valley and Warner Robins Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. April 9, 2016
Member, Fort Valley State University Honors Convocation Committee, Spring 2016 – present
Member, Fort Valley State University Comprehensive Program Review Committee 2015-2017
Author, Billionaires Prefer Single Moms: A Single Mom’s Guide to Purpose, Prosperity and Partnership (Atlanta, GA: Blackplaybook Productions, Inc., 2017)
Faculty Senator, Fort Valley State University Faculty Senate, Fall 2014- Spring 2017
Assistant Chair, National Alliance of Artists at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (NAAHBU) 15th Annual Conference, “Afrofutuirsm Rising: Black Arts Across the Spectrum,” October 8-10, 2015
Member, Instruction and Research Librarian Search Committee, Fort Valley State University, Spring 2015
Presenter/Director, “A Mother’s Despair,” A Healthy Heart and Mental Health Wine Taste, Fort Valley and Warner Robins Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. April 9, 2016
Member, Fort Valley State University Honors Convocation Committee, Spring 2016 – present
Member, Fort Valley State University Comprehensive Program Review Committee 2015-2017
Author, Billionaires Prefer Single Moms: A Single Mom’s Guide to Purpose, Prosperity and Partnership (Atlanta, GA: Blackplaybook Productions, Inc., 2017)
Faculty Senator, Fort Valley State University Faculty Senate, Fall 2014- Spring 2017
Assistant Chair, National Alliance of Artists at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (NAAHBU) 15th Annual Conference, “Afrofutuirsm Rising: Black Arts Across the Spectrum,” October 8-10, 2015
Member, Instruction and Research Librarian Search Committee, Fort Valley State University, Spring 2015
Faculty Advisor, Joseph Adkins Players Student Drama Group, Fort Valley State University, Fall 2009 – Present
Theater/Performance/Media Workshops
“Black Acting Methods,“ Dr. Sharrell Luckett, February 27, 2017
“Solo Performance/Acting Workshop,” Jade Lambert-Smith, October 19-November 13, 2014
“Indie Film Production Bootcamp,” Greg Galloway (2G Films, Inc), October 10-11, 2014
“Acting On Screen and Off” Karen Kendrick and Associates Fall 2011
Member-At-Large, Black Theatre Association, Association of Theater in Higher Education (ATHE), August 2012 – July 2014
Theater/Performance/Media Workshops
“Black Acting Methods,“ Dr. Sharrell Luckett, February 27, 2017
“Solo Performance/Acting Workshop,” Jade Lambert-Smith, October 19-November 13, 2014
“Indie Film Production Bootcamp,” Greg Galloway (2G Films, Inc), October 10-11, 2014
“Acting On Screen and Off” Karen Kendrick and Associates Fall 2011
Member-At-Large, Black Theatre Association, Association of Theater in Higher Education (ATHE), August 2012 – July 2014
Co-Chair, Fort Valley State University Research Day Committee, Fort Valley State University, 2011-2012
Member, Curriculum Committee, Fort Valley State University Department of Fine Arts, Humanities and Mass Communications Department , Fall 2010-present
Division Director, Theater and Dance, Fort Valley State University Fine Arts and Music Experience (F.A.M.E) Summer Camp, 2010- 2013
Member, Curriculum Committee, Fort Valley State University Department of Fine Arts, Humanities and Mass Communications Department , Fall 2010-present
Division Director, Theater and Dance, Fort Valley State University Fine Arts and Music Experience (F.A.M.E) Summer Camp, 2010- 2013
Adjudicator, Georgia Theatre Conference (GTC) Secondary Division, Savannah, GA. October 13-17, 2010
Founding Chair, Gender Studies Committee, Albany State University, Albany, Georgia, Fall 2008 – Spring 2009
Founding Chair, Gender Studies Committee, Albany State University, Albany, Georgia, Fall 2008 – Spring 2009
Member, Faculty Senate Committee, Albany State University, Albany, Georgia, Fall 2008 – Spring 2009
Founding Member, Civil Rights Studies Development Board, Albany State University, Fall 2008 – Spring 2009
Member, Albany Civil Rights Museum Opening Gala Planning Committee, Albany, Georgia, July, 2008 – October 2008
Member, Hospitality Committee, Fine Arts Department, Albany State University, Fall, 2006 – Spring, 2009
Founding Member, Civil Rights Studies Development Board, Albany State University, Fall 2008 – Spring 2009
Member, Albany Civil Rights Museum Opening Gala Planning Committee, Albany, Georgia, July, 2008 – October 2008
Member, Hospitality Committee, Fine Arts Department, Albany State University, Fall, 2006 – Spring, 2009
Professional Affiliations
National Communications Association
Association of Theatre in Higher Education
Black Theatre Network
National Women’s Studies Association
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