Gracie Shreve

Ambitious student with a passion for dance and the desire to create an inclusive, accessible creative arts space. Detail-oriented and accustomed to working in demanding and intense circumstances. Delivers high-quality visual works and known for artistic integrity. Dedicated to developing skills in both modern and traditional performance techniques. Passionate about learning and sharing Japanese culture. Seeking higher education and international experiences in East Asian Theatre. Returning T.T.T. applicant.

SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY IN DANCE (Spring 2024)

• Dedicated a full year to researching the history, methodology, and globalization of Butoh. Studied abroad in Tokyo under Nakajima Natsu, Alishina Juju, and Agastuma Emiko. First published paper to be released in June, 2024.

ASIAN THEATRE: FROM SOUTH TO EAST, TEACHING ASSISTANT (Fall 2023)

• Discussed the history and cultural development of theatre forms across the Asian continent. Co-taught the Japan unit and provided students with first-hand experiences related to Kyoto Art Center education.

JAPANESE ANTHROPOLOGY (Spring 2023)

• Considered and analyzed a wide breadth of sociocultural concepts relating to Japanese history and development. Engaged in discussion and research regarding media, customs, economics, language, and other significant factors.

DANCE IN WORLD CULTURES (Spring 2021)

• Studied a variety of international dance styles in the theoretical and physical space. Particularly focused on Japanese units in on Noh, Kabuki, and Butoh.

COLLEGE OF WOOSTER MODERN DANCE COMPANY

• A faculty-directed performance group for Departmental dance concerts. Developed 10 semesters of performance experience. Choreographed and debuted 6 original dance pieces. Studied styles including modern, contemporary, postmodern, and Chinese classical.

JAPANESE CULTURE ASSOCIATION

• A student-led organization dedicated to bringing authentic Japanese cultural experiences to Ohio. Served for 1 year as Event Coordinator, 2 years as Vice President, and 1 year as President. Maintained a community of Japanese, Japanese-American, and non-Japanese students interested in cultural development. Organized events such as language classes, traditional theatre lectures, cooking classes, tea ceremonies, and Hanami picnics.

CHASING INTERNATIONAL DANCE TEAM

• A student-led team aiming to bring an alternative dance perspective to campus. Performing original works by professional and student choreographers from all over the world including Japan, Republic of Korea, China, Vietnam, India, Mexico, and across the United States. Served 4 years as Team Captain. Organized performances, maintained club documents, taught workshops, and facilitated community development.

• Received Bachelor of Arts in Music degree with the grade of Honors on senior thesis.
• Received the Pi Kappa Lamba Award for music performance excellence.
• Received the Dean's List award for four consecutive years.
• Received the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival awards for Costume Design Excellence and Don Childs DTM Cross-Discipline Collaboration.
• Inducted into the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society.
• Graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Naoko Skala

Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance; Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH

+1 (330) 263-2540 - nskala@wooster.edu