Profile

Barbara A. Burgess-Lefebvre, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of English and Theatre (English & Media Arts)
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