Dr Susan Fenty Studham is an international theatrical stage manager, educator, and arts researcher currently investigating the complex relationship between globalization, decolonization, and cultural identity in the context of Balinese performance production processes. Her 2023 Fulbright project entitled “Decolonizing theatre production practice: Identifying Balinese performance management” (February-July 2023) is hosted by Institut Seni Indonesia, Denpasar, Bali.

Dr Studham is delighted to be collaborating with Balinese artist and educator I Made Sidia, SSP., M. Sn., (ISI, Denpasar) on this research. Her 12-year association with Mr Sidia and his artistic community led to the development of this Fulbright project. The research team seeks to document the uniqueness of the Balinese approach to performance management, tracing specific hybrid practices and practical innovations to reveal culturally-centered theatre production protocols.

Having stage managed internationally for more than 35 years, Dr Studham is a reflexive practitioner-researcher who works to understand many aspects of culture and equity in theatre. Her practice-led research investigates brave spaces, intercultural theatre, decolonization, and identity in the context of production stage management processes. Her focus is on multilingual, indigenous, and multicultural performance and their associated production and cultural processes. Currently adjunct faculty at DePaul University in Chicago, she completed a 4-year tenure as Program Head for their BFA Stage Management Program in 2021. Dr Studham is a published arts researcher who holds three book contracts due for publication over the next two years. Recent publications include “Supporting the performance of Noongar language in Hecate.”