Kellen Hoxworth

Professor Kellen Hoxworth is a dedicated scholar who brings a vibrant energy to the pursuit of advancements in Theatre and Performance Studies at the University at Buffalo, part of the State University of New York system. As an Assistant Professor within the Department of Theatre and Dance, he generously shares his extensive knowledge and deep expertise with both his students and his colleagues. His own academic path began with earning a PhD in Theater & Performance Studies from Stanford University, a period where he truly honed his research abilities and cultivated a profound interest in the fascinating intersections where performance meets race and empire.

His research interests are wonderfully broad and truly interdisciplinary, comfortably spanning areas like Historiography, Postcolonial Theory, Black Performance, African & Caribbean Performance, and the rich landscape of Performance in and from the Global South. His work delves critically into how various performance practices have been shaped and influenced by powerful historical and cultural forces, paying particular attention to the complex dynamics of colonial and postcolonial contexts. Through this insightful research, he aims to shed light on the intricate relationships that exist between performance, identity, and power structures.

As an accomplished scholar, Professor Hoxworth has made significant contributions to the academic conversation, publishing extensively in respected journals and contributing chapters to various edited volumes, thereby sharing his valuable insights with the wider academic community. He is currently immersed in his book project, tentatively titled "Transoceanic Blackface: Empire, Race, Performance," which is anticipated to be a truly significant addition to the field. This work promises to explore the global movement and impact of blackface performance and its profound implications for how we understand the intertwined histories of race and empire.

In the classroom setting, Professor Hoxworth is widely recognized for his engaging and deeply thought-provoking teaching style. He offers a range of courses for both undergraduate and graduate students, focusing on performance history and theory. Drawing directly from his specialized research areas, he provides students with a wonderfully rich and nuanced perspective on the subject matter. His courses are designed to actively encourage critical thinking and to foster a genuine and deep appreciation for the many complexities of performance as both a cultural and a historical phenomenon.

Beyond his primary academic pursuits, Professor Hoxworth is genuinely committed to cultivating an environment that feels inclusive and supportive for everyone, students and colleagues alike. He actively participates in various departmental and university-wide initiatives specifically aimed at championing diversity and equity. Furthermore, he is deeply dedicated to mentoring students, particularly those from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented within the field of theatre and performance studies, helping them navigate their academic and professional journeys.

Through the combined impact of his insightful research, inspiring teaching, and dedicated service, Professor Kellen Hoxworth continues to make meaningful and lasting contributions to the field of Theatre and Performance Studies. He is truly helping to inspire the next generation of scholars and practitioners, encouraging them to explore and understand the transformative and powerful role that performance plays within society.