The Center for Performance Studies was formed in 2005, merging various departments,
faculty, and graduate students at UCLA. We use performance as an organizing concept
for studying a wide range of behaviors and situations, from tourism to tango to the
internet and the ideologies of choreography. We use performance as a theoretical lens
for thinking about how gender, race, and sexuality are performative (and often
performances). Performance Studies seeks to engage performance at every front, to
open and broaden the definition of performance and the texts that prompt them, to explore
performance practices and test the ground on which they rest.
We draw from such fields as Theater, Film, Anthropology, Art, Musicology, World Arts
and Cultures, English, French, German, and Law. The Center seeks to bridge the gaps
between these fields by being a resource thorugh which students and faculty can be aware
of the cutting-edge work taking place in the various departments on campus. We seek to
host guest lectures and organize events though which students and faculty may interface
and collaborate.
In addition to the participating units at UCLA, the Center is also an affiliate of the Hemispheric
Institute: http://hemisphericinstitute.org. At the website you will find an archive of performances
in the Americas in addition to information regarding international meetings or encuentros.
Sue-Ellen Case, Director
At this time, any questions regarding the Center for Performance Studies may be
directed to:
centerperform@ucla.edu
UCLA Theater
BOX 951622, 3337 Macgowan
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1622
310.794.4831
