Rachael Powles (she/her)

Rachael Powles is a first-year PhD student in Theatre History and Performance Studies at the University of Washington. Her research focuses on the development of American acting pedagogy in the nineteenth century, specifically the intersection of theatre and elocution and the Delsarte System of Dramatic Expression. She is particularly interested in women who performed and trained for the legitimate stage and how acting intersected with the social performance of white middle-class femininity. Aside from her research, Rachael has worked as a dramaturg across the U.S. and Canada. Her experience includes work on a variety of fringe festivals, new play development labs, and educational productions, including as the inaugural Mentor Dramaturg for the National Theatre School of Canada's annual DramaFest. She currently serves as the Resident Dramaturg at the Theater at Woodshill in Sauquoit, New York.