Marc D. Rich, Ph.D., is a Professor of Communication Studies/Performance Studies at California State University, Long Beach. As a nationally recognized leader in 'Proactive Performance' (highest level of audience involvement), Dr. Rich has served on the Advisory Board of the Los Angeles Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) organization, facilitated proactive performances throughout the United States and trained in TO, drama therapy and psychodrama. Dr. Rich has published seventeen peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and led the research team that conducted the first empirical studies of proactive performance.
KJ worked with interACT as undergraduate, and earned his Master’s degree while working with the troupe and conducting research on masculinity and violence against women. KJ served as a Lead Trainer for several years, learning the necessary skills to manage the day-to-day operations of interACT. KJ continues to perform and facilitate shows when he is not overseeing rehearsals and other troupe business. He teaches a variety of classes at CSULB.
Susan began working with interACT in 2000 when she was a first-year student at CSULB. She holds the distinct honor of being part of the original cast for every one of our shows. Susan works with the actor-educators to insure they understand the characters, scenes, and sociopolitical issues that guide our work. She earned a B.A. in graphic design from CSULB.
Elena worked with interACT as an actor-educator, facilitator, and researcher during her tenure as a Master’s student at CSULB. Her desire to continue focusing on performance and social change led her to Southern Illinois University where she earned a doctorate in communication studies with an emphasis in performance studies. Elena facilitates shows and helps develop new interACT programs. She currently teaches in the department of communication studies at CSULB.
