Mark Zelinsky, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English
Contact
Phone: 860.231.5252
E-mail:
mzelinsky@sjc.edu
When Dr. Mark Zelinsky came to Saint Joseph College, his first assignment was to revive The Queenes Companye, the student drama organization. For many years it was a vibrant component of the College experience, and now it is excelling once again under Dr. Zelinsky's watchful eye.
"I believe that theater, music, art and dance enrich our lives," Dr. Zelinsky says. "Every time I work with students, I learn something new. When one performs theater, one must expose vulnerabilities, be genuine and open, and learn responsibility." In keeping with the College's commitment to justice, Dr. Zelinsky produces plays that send a social message. Recent examples are The Trojan Women, the most fully-realized College production up to that time and a strong statement against war, and the complicated and challenging The Laramie Project, which deals with the subject of homophobia in the Matthew Shepard case. In addition, the group honors the school tradition of all female productions of Shakespeare's work, most recently featuring Taming of the Shrew.
Each theatrical experience proves rewarding to faculty, students and audience. The interchange between actors/audience and student/teachers is representative of the collaborative and interactive environment at the College. Often, Dr. Zelinsky notes, the faculty get involved in the productions, and this fosters a "sense of team spirit and unity among faculty members and students."
Degrees
Ph.D., Louisiana State University
M.A., Washington State University
B.A., Simpson College
