Meet Shelly Elman: Professor of Theatre; Chair of the Department of English, Film, Languages, and Performing Arts at the University of West Georgia

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelly Elman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelly, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Theatre is all about risk-taking. I teach about it. The worst thing that can happen on the stage is to make tentative choices. The frightening aspect about Theatre is that you can’t be self-conscious, you have to be willing to fail. The beauty of Theatre is the same: you can’t let embarrassment, self-consciousness make the character or directorial choices. You can never play it safe. Since my university training, I’ve always tried to live by facing my fears.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I love about working in Theatre is that I continue to learn and discover when I direct. I love that I can use the organizational, critical thinking, analytical, and interpersonal skills that are prevalent in directing in other areas of my work responsibilities. I love the fact that taking risks is something we must always do in Theatre, and that carries over into my work as Chair of a large department, composed of programs that are outside my experience. Theatre satisfies my love of learning; every time I direct or produce, I must do research to not only reach a better understanding of the message of the play, but also to spark my imagination to find a unifying way to conceptualize that message. Lastly, the collaborative nature of Theatre is inspirational. I know what it’s like to both lead and be a part of a team. I understand the commitment, and Theatre has taught me to always try to walk in someone else’s shoes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d show my best friend the cultural side of Atlanta. We’d go to the Theatre, seeing shows at Actors’ Express, the Horizon Theatre, the Alliance, Theatrical Outfit, and of course at UWG. I’d take them to small, neighborhood, and artsy eateries, like Manuel’s Tavern, Poor Calvin’s, Six Feet Under, and The Albert. I’d probably show them some of downtown Atlanta as well, perhaps a tour of CNN, or a walk through Centennial Olympic Park. We’d also go to Piedmont Park and hit some Midtown haunts. If we had a night free from seeing a theatre show, we’d perhaps go to a concert at Eddie’s Attic, or the Old Smith.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The folks that I dedicate this shoutout to are my colleagues at the University of West Georgia. The extraordinary collaboration that we embark upon every semester and every year has made my work stronger. I am indebted to their generosity of spirit and time.

Website: www.westga.edu/theatre

Instagram: @uwgtheatreco

Facebook: UWG Theatre Company

Image Credits
Photographer: Steven Broome