MARIA-CHRISTINA OLIVERAS
Wesleyan University
As the Assistant Professor of Theater in Acting, it’s been a pleasure to join the Wesleyan Theater Department at such an extraordinary moment of transformation. We have been engaged in heartening conversations about our joint vision for the Theater Department, further defining what a Wes Theater Maker can be, addressing issues of access, equity, diversity and inclusion, and building curricula to serve the thriving creativity of our students, while facilitating their transition into the professional world. I’m so excited to be moving forward, and tapping into all our individual strengths as educators and practitioners.
As an educator, I deeply believe it is my job to help cultivate each student’s individual voice and provide them with the widest range of tools possible to tap into their highest form of authentic, truthful expression. I strive to provide a brave, inclusive space which allows them to bring all their ancestors, experiences, and quirks into their work with joy, generosity and a deep sense of play. Empower them to stand in the center of their truth, so that they can serve the truth of another, and the story at hand. This is the highest form of empathy and service.
Here’s a video which offers students’ perspectives and a brief primer of Acting I, taught via ZOOM in Spring 2021: "Inside the (Virtual) Actors’ Studio: Acting I in the time of ZOOM"
Videos on Acting I/II on Zoom
Student Productions
The following are a list of productions featuring students from Acting I, Acting II, and Musical Theater Performance.
Teaching
Academic Appointments
Assistant Professor of Theater, Wesleyan University, 2019-Present
Visiting Assistant Professor of Theater, Yale University, 2020-2021
Adjunct Professor of Acting, Fordham University at Lincoln Center, 2014 –2019
Lecturer, Yale University, 2013
Lecturer, University of Colorado-Boulder, 2007
Professional Appointments
Acting Teacher, Broadway Workshop, NYC, 2018-Present
Acting Teacher, Stella Adler Conservatory, NYC, 2015-2019
Acting Teacher, Primary Stages, NYC, 2016
Drama Teacher, Denver Center Theater Academy, 2004-2007
Drama Teacher, Children’s Aid Society, 2003-2005
Drama Teacher, Children’s Aid Society Wagon Road Camp, 2003
Syllabi + Student Work Samples
Since my time at Wesleyan, I have innovated the curricula launching a Musical Theater Performance Program and acting electives such as Acting for the Camera, and It's All Greek To Me, emphasizing the relevance of classics through a contemporary lens.
THEA 386: Musical Theatre Performance
(Fall 2023)
A course that expands the performer’s potential for transformation and expression, so that they may enter into any genre, style, or period of musical theater with ease and confidence.
Excerpts from the Inaugural Ensemble’s Culminating Cabaret (Fall 2022)
THEA 265: Acting for the Camera
(Spring 2025)
This studio course explored the fundamentals of Acting for the Camera. A wide range of exercises and techniques were used to cultivate a sense of ease and freedom and to develop the imagination, relaxation, concentration, focus and technical skills required to create life in front of the camera.
Victoria Cornejo Monologue Excerpt -- "Manchester by the Sea"
Pitch Deck of A New Sci-Fi Comedy by Ryan Villano and Jessica Williams
THEA 285: It's All Greek to Me!
(SPRING 2023)
A course that explores performance and adaptation of classical text. As a final project, the students offer up their original contemporary takes on Greek characters and myths.
Musical Meditation on Medea by Maggie Monighan (‘24)
Video Game: The Abduction of Persephone by Marcos Arjona (‘26)
Solo Piece by Lincoln Turner (‘25)
THEA 235: Acting I
(2025)
This studio course explores the fundamentals of acting and how they are applicable to all areas of life, regardless of vocation. A wide range of exercises are used to develop relaxation, concentration, and the imagination and to free the body and voice of tension, and tap into and expand each individual’s potential for transformation. Emphasis is placed on building confidence, cultivating each artist’s authentic voice and approaching the work with a deep sense of curiosity, generosity, joy, and serious play.
