Teaching Philosophy

Theatre making is an inherently social art form that requires experiential learning- learning by doing. As an instructor I provide opportunities for students to act, write, and create in informed, thoughtful, and innovative ways. I honor each student's individual interests, background, and abilities and provide a safe space for personal expression and development.

Theatre making is also inherently collaborative. As a class, we create a body of work (be it a compilation of scenes, scripts, or critical essays) that both build upon and reach beyond any one individual's previous capabilities.

In many of my courses, we also examine how theatre emerges out of specific time periods and cultures. By the end of these courses, students are able to articulate how theatre and performance can be used to reinforce, challenge, or modify specific societal expectations.

Scholarly Interest

Playwriting

Performance Art

African American Theatre

Intercultural Theatre

Theatre for Social Justice

Dramaturgy

Theatre History and Criticism 

Professor Mahala is the author of Penumbra: The Premier Stage for African American Drama, which received Honorable Mention for the 2014 Errol Hill Award for Outstanding Scholarship in African American Theatre Studies from the American Society of Theatre Research. 

THEA 113 Theatre Heritage I: Ancient Theatre - 1800

THEA 115 Theatre Heritage II: 1800 - the Present

THEA 112 Playwriting

THEA 172 Directing

THEA 071 Beginning Acting

THEA 011 Introduction to Theatre

PACS I What is a Good Society?

PACS 2 Performing Civil Rights