John Ackman
Professor Emeritus of Theatre/Director of Theatre
Biography
J.D. Ackman, is professor and director of theatre at ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ. He has been on the faculty since 1993. J.D. holds an M.F.A. in acting from the University of Montana (1984). He currently oversees ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ’s State University Theatre program and serves as managing/artistic director for ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ’s Prairie Repertory Theatre. J.D. has performed in or directed over 150 theatre productions. He has taught more than a dozen different courses during his tenure at State. While he enjoys his administrative duties, he most enjoys working with his students in rehearsals and in the classroom/studio and interacting with theatre patrons. J.D. lives in Brookings with his wife and son.
Education
- M.F.A. in acting | University of Montana | 1984
- B.S. | ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ | 1978
Academic and Professional Experience
Academic Interests
Academic Interests
- Acting
- Directing
Committees and Professional Memberships
Committees:
- Performing Arts Center Expansion Steering Committee (2012-present)
- Workshop presentation, USITT – Northern Boundary – Social Media and Theatre Marketing (2013)
- KCACTF Region V Selection Team (2000-2005)
- KCACTF Region V Respondent (1997-present)
- College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Foundation Relations Committee (2011)
- College of Arts and Sciences Dean Search Committee (2011)
- Arts and Sciences Faculty Development and Community Committee (2002)
- Screening Committee ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ/Manchester Metropolitan Exchange Program (2002)
- ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ Performing Arts Center planning committee (1998-2002)
- ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ "Communication Able Students" committee (1999)
- Chair - Communication Studies and Theatre Search Committees (1997-98, 2001, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012)
- College of Arts and Sciences Liberal Studies Standing Core Curriculum Committee (1994-98)
Research and Scholarly Work
Grants
- Griffith Foundation Grant (1999) - Study in Edinburgh, Scotland
- Griffith Foundation Grant (2001) - Study in Edinburgh, Scotland
- Griffith Foundation Grant (2010) – Study in San Jose, CA
- South Dakota Arts Council Challenge Grants (2007-17) in support of Prairie Repertory Theatre
Associated Areas
