CCTA 2021 Organizers

Nassim Balestrini is full professor of American Studies and Intermediality at the University of Graz, Austria, and director of the Center for Intermediality Studies there. She researches and teaches US-American and Canadian literature and cultures from the eighteenth century to the present. Her publications address adaptation and intermediality, life writing, hip-hop culture (most recently on Indigenous and Alaskan artists), contemporary poetry, ecocriticism, and climate change theatre. She favors comparative and interdisciplinary approaches in her research, which frequently cuts across literary genres, media, ethnicities, and cultures.

Shana Bestock is an artist, educator, and director born and raised in Seattle, WA. She has directed over 200 productions with youth ensembles, produced over 120 professional productions, and worked with a wide variety of regional theaters, schools, and community organizations. For 17 years Shana served as the Artistic and Education Director for Seattle Public Theater, building a unique youth theater program and a home for exciting regional premieres. Shana is the founding Producing Artistic Director of Penguin Productions, facilitating creative adventures in community arts with a focus on youth leadership and social justice. She currently serves at ACT Contemporary Theatre's Artistic Associate, Education and Engagement. 

Clare Preuss is a multidisciplinary artist born on Turtle Island and is the daughter of European immigrants. She has worked with innovative creators across this land as well as in Germany, Lebanon, Switzerland and Uganda. Clare is a recipient of the Houselighters of the Citadel Theatre Award and has been nominated for the Pauline McGibbon Award, John Hirsch Director Prize, John Hirsch Director Award and twice for the Gina Wilkinson Award. She enjoys acting and directing for theatre and film as well as creating live-art pieces that she facilitates. Clare is the Artistic Director at Downstage.