Resume
THOMAS L. CUNNINGHAM
2429 Hanover Ave APT B, Richmond VA, 23220
804-543-7121(cell), thomaslcunningham@gmail.com
EDUCATION
PhD Candidate in Interdisciplinary Studies: Media, Art, and Text Analysis
Dissertation: Textual Analysis of Constructed Fictional Language Across Media
Virginia Commonwealth University, Defense Scheduled: Spring 2017
Master of Fine Arts: Theatre Pedagogy
Thesis: Diverse Methods of Dialect Pedagogy and Curriculum Development
Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and English
Virginia Commonwealth University, 2007
EMPLOYMENT
Virginia Commonwealth University
August 2015 – Present
Head of Voice and Speech: Department of Theatre
- Writing and overseeing curricula for sixteen courses annually, including interdisciplinary development between the School of the Arts and Department of English.
- Managing and directing adjunct faculty in syllabus preparation, course design, evaluation, and implementation of university and departmental directives.
- Advising and mentoring graduate pedagogy students, including overseeing MFA thesis preparation and defense.
- Lecturing, evaluating, and advising graduate and undergraduate students on topics ranging from Shakespeare Studies to Digital Portfolio Development.
Henley Street Theatre/Richmond Shakespeare Festival
July 2014 – August 2015
Education Director
- Grant writing and disbursal in coordination with NEA and VA State School Board.
- Workshop design and instruction with a focus on English and Italian Renaissance theatre/literature for grades 6 – 12.
- Designing touring drama curricula with a focus on SOL-mandated learning objectives, including study guides, vocabulary building, and language skill development.
Virginia Commonwealth University
August 2011 – August 2014
Adjunct Professor, Full-time (3/3 Load)
- Writing syllabi and devising course content for up to eight courses annually, with topics including Shakespeare Studies, Modern Drama, Public Speaking, Medieval Lit, Intro to Linguistics, and Dialect Studies.
- Implementing interdisciplinary curricula between the Department of Theatre and School of Education, with a focus on undergraduate teacher training for the arts.
Virginia Commonwealth University
August 2008 – August 2011
Director of Public Speaking
- Supervising curricula and syllabi for over twenty courses of Effective Speech and Speech for Business Professionals annually, while providing support and mentorship to adjunct instructors.
- Lectured, evaluated, and engaged with students of all undergraduate levels and all majors, developing diverse pedagogical tactics for reinforcing speech/communication as a part of all disciplines.
OTHER RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT
Professional Portfolio
2004 – Present
Text Analysis, Public Speech, Acting, Directing
- Twelve years professional experience, including work in radio, stage, television, and independent film.
- Specific focus in Shakespeare, text analysis, and linguistics.
Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School
2013 – 2016
Speech for Debate Coach: We The People
- Coached with the ‘We The People’ historical interpretation team on effective debate technique, including body language, diction, and effective argumentation.
- Virginia State winners, 2014 – 2016.
- National Championship placement: Third 2014, Second 2015, Fifth 2016.
Virginia Commonwealth University
2009 – 2013
Faculty Mentor for Regional Conference Preparation
- Monologue and scene direction for Virginia Theatre Association (VTA), South-Eastern Theatre Conference (SETC), and United Professional Theatre Auditions (UPTA).
CERTIFICATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Armstrong/Rodgers Certified Master Teacher; Certification Date: July 2015
Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA); 2010 – Present
Richmond Area Professional Theatre Association (RAPT); 2011 – Present
Virginia Commonwealth University Title IX Review Panel; 2015 – Present
Thomas L. Cunningham 