The UMKC Conservatory is very pleased to welcome Dr. Nicole Hodges Persley as Associate Professor of Theatre, starting Spring 2020.
Dr. Hodges Persley earned her Ph.D in American Studies and Ethnicity from the University of Southern California. Most recently Dr. Hodges Persley was an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of Kansas. While there she taught a diverse number of classes including Hip-hop, Acting, Race and Performance. Her research includes African-American theatre and performance, American popular culture, Hip-hop Studies, Women and Gender Studies, and Solo Performance and Transnationalism. Dr. Hodges Persley's research addresses the impact of racial, ethnic, and national identity on performance practices in theatre, television and film.
An actress and director, Hodges Persley is a member of SAG/AFTRA/Equity and has performance credits in regional theater, television and film. A member of SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers Society) her notable directing credits include A Raisin in the Sun, Welcome to Arroyo's, Rachel, Dutchman, and Sunset Baby. She also serves as the Artistic Director for KC Melting Pot Theatre where,under her creative influence, the company has produced timely and thought-provoking shows. She has published articles and book chapters on Hip-hop Theatre, Sampling, Jay-Z and Suzan-Lori Parks with forthcoming works on Drake, Nicki Minaj and Idris Elba.
Welcome, Dr. Hodges Persley!