BIOGRAPHY

PERSONAL

After teaching acting and directing for the stage and screen at colleges and universities since 1971, Paul retired as a professor  of theater from Bates College in 2014 .  Since his directorial debut in 1966, Paul directed over one hundred plays throughout the United States. In 1990 he was invited to be the first American to teach and direct at the National Theater School in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Paul is the author of Fundamental Acting: A Practical Guide (Applause Theatre Books, 1997), The Making of Theatre History (Prentice Hall, 1987) and Playing: An Introduction to Acting (Prentice Hall, 1982). His latest book, Theater and Film. A Christian Perspective (Redemption Press, 2014), is a revised second edition of The Fiery Serpent. A Christian Theory of Film and Drama (WinePress, 2006). Paul’s play The Yellow Wallpaper was included in The Best American Short Plays 2001-2002 (Applause, 2006).

Paul studied filmmaking and film directing at the International Film and Digital Video Workshops in Rockport.
His films, A New Life and  Amy’s Wish, were selected to show in festivals around the United State and in  Manila, The Philipines.

Paul and his wife Kathleen live in Chicago, Illinois.

EDUCATION

  • 1979 Ph.D. Indiana University
  • 1972 A. M. Indiana University
  • 1970 A. B. The University of Virginia
  • 2002 – 2003 The International Film and Television Workshops  Rockport, Maine
  • Directing Actors Workshop
  • Film Directors Craft Workshop
  • New DV Filmmakers Workshop
  • Final Cut Pro Workshop

EMPLOYMENT

  • 1978 – 2015: Professor of Theatre, Department of Theatre and Rhetoric, Bates College, Lewiston, Maine
    Joined faculty as Assistant Professor in 1978
  • 1990 – 1991 Visiting Professor/Guest Director, National Theater School, Bratislava, Slovakia
  • 1985 Visiting Associate Professor of Theatre, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
  • 1988 Artist-in-Residence, Sumner High School, Ellsworth, Maine
  • 1988 – 1989, Project Scholar, 1998 Maine Humanities Council, Portland, Maine
  • 1989 – 1993 Columnist, Maine Progressive
  • 1986 – 1988 Guest Director, The Maine Acting Company
  • 1985 Artist-in-Residence, Hollins College, Hollins, Virginia
  • 1984 – 1985 Project Scholar, Maine Humanities Council/Portland Stage Company, Portland, Maine
  • 1980- 1985 Founder/Artistic Director, Bates Festival Theatre, Lewiston, Maine