Dr. Lawrence James

Lawrence James, Ph.D.

Professor of Theatre in the Area of Theatre and Dance

Department of Communications

Office: Rm 204 PAC (Performing Arts Center)

Phone: (615) 963-5809

Email: ljames@tnstate.edu

Education:

Wayne State University, Detroit, MI

Ph. D. – Speech Communication and Theatre, 1976

(Concentration: Performance Interpretation)

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

M.A. – Theatre Arts, 1972

South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, S.C.

B.S. – Major: Chemistry, Minor: Drama, 1971

Biography:

Dr. Lawrence James is Professor of Theatre in the Area of Theatre and Dance in the Department of Communications at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. He teaches acting and directing in the theatre program, and has directed numerous productions in academic and professional theatre for over thirty years locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. He has previously served as Head of the Department of Communications twice and Coordinator of Theatre. Dr. James is a recognized teacher of high standards having been awarded the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is the founding director of the Tennessee State University Honors Repertory Ensemble which has performed nationally, including Chicago, San Antonio, San Francisco, as well as statewide and regionally. In addition to academic and professional theatre, Dr. James is a recognized director internationally in the area of Religious and Worship Arts Theatre productions. A graduate of South Carolina State University (B.S), Texas Tech University (M.A.), and Wayne State University, Detroit (Ph.D.), Dr. James has received regional and national recognition from The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in the area of Directing (2009/2011/2019). His production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill by Lanie Robertson was performed at Region IV KCACTF in 2009 (national finalist) as well as the Biennial National Black Theatre Festival the same year. His production of Ruined by Lynn Nottage (national finalist and national Festival alternate) was also performed at the Region IV KCACTF with production in 2011. Lawrence’s KCACTF connection stems back to his work even as a student performing internationally in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Touring Company in Europe (England and Scotland). Other recognized directing projects by Dr. James include Anne and Emmett, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rain is Enuf, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, Harlem Mural, Oedipus, Innervisions, Curtain Call, Mr. Aldridge, Sir, among many others. He continues to be engaged in consultantships at state, regional, and national theatre conferences and organizations. He has served as a recurring grant reviewer for the Metro Nashville Arts Commission (Tennessee Arts Commission), the Metro Nashville High School Musical Theatre Competition, and Advisory Board for Nashville Shakespeare Festival (NSF). National presentations and participation include the Lincoln Center, American Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE), National Assn of Schools of Theatre (NAST), Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC), Black Theatre Network (BTN), Tennessee Theatre Assn (TTA), and National Communication Association (NCA). Dr. James is a past Executive Secretary, Vice-President, and President of the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts (NADSA).

webpage contact:
communications