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School of Performing Arts

John Ackman

J.D. Ackman

Title

Professor Emeritus of Theatre/Director of Theatre

Office Building

The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center

Office

189J

Mailing Address

Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center 189J
School of Performing Arts-Box 2830
University Station
Brookings, SD 57007

Biography

J.D. Ackman, is professor and director of theatre at South Dakota State University. He has been on the faculty since 1993. J.D. holds an M.F.A. in acting from the University of Montana (1984). He currently oversees SDSU’s State University Theatre program and serves as managing/artistic director for SDSU’s Prairie Repertory Theatre. J.D. has performed in or directed over 150 theatre productions. He has taught more than a dozen different courses during his tenure at State. While he enjoys his administrative duties, he most enjoys working with his students in rehearsals and in the classroom/studio and interacting with theatre patrons. J.D. lives in Brookings with his wife and son.

Education

  • M.F.A. in acting | University of Montana | 1984
  • B.S. | South Dakota State University | 1978

Academic Interests

  • Acting
  • Directing

Committees and Professional Memberships

Committees:

  • Performing Arts Center Expansion Steering Committee (2012-present)
  • Workshop presentation, USITT – Northern Boundary – Social Media and Theatre Marketing (2013)
  • KCACTF Region V Selection Team (2000-2005)
  • KCACTF Region V Respondent (1997-present)
  • College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Foundation Relations Committee (2011)
  • College of Arts and Sciences Dean Search Committee (2011)
  • Arts and Sciences Faculty Development and Community Committee (2002)
  • Screening Committee SDSU/Manchester Metropolitan Exchange Program (2002)
  • SDSU Performing Arts Center planning committee (1998-2002)
  • SDSU "Communication Able Students" committee (1999)
  • Chair - Communication Studies and Theatre Search Committees (1997-98, 2001, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012)
  • College of Arts and Sciences Liberal Studies Standing Core Curriculum Committee (1994-98)

Grants

  • Griffith Foundation Grant (1999) - Study in Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Griffith Foundation Grant (2001) - Study in Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Griffith Foundation Grant (2010) – Study in San Jose, CA
  • South Dakota Arts Council Challenge Grants (2007-17) in support of Prairie Repertory Theatre

Department(s)