Holly E. McDonald

Contact Information

Casselberry, FL

mcholly46@yahoo.com

407.310.4670

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/holly-e-mcdonald-919a5129 

Website: https://www.hollyemcdonald.com/

Education

1995    Master of Fine Arts. Emphasis: Performance. The University of Alabama. 

1992    Bachelor of Fine Arts. Emphasis: Performance. West Virginia University. 

Current Position, Highlights, and Firsts

Currently a Senior Lecturer with the University of Central Florida’s School of Performing Arts.

Graduate and undergraduate faculty member.

Women’s and Gender Studies Faculty Affiliate.

Courses developed and instructed include various modalities.

Face-to-Face

Web-based

Mixed Mode

Zoom

The various modalities that have been developed and instructed have allowed for state, national, international, traditional, non-traditional, and students with disabilities to have accessibility and fully participate. 

Instruct, mentor, and supervise graduate, undergraduate, and honor students. 

A mentor of new faculty members in web-based instruction, as well as supervising Graduate Teaching Assistants.

A Leader and Innovator of “Firsts”

The first faculty member in the history of UCF Theatre to develop and instruct fully web-based theatre course, along with an interactive digital textbook in collaboration with Kendall Hunt Publishing company to accompany the course.

The first UCF Theatre faculty member to be recognized by Kendall Hunt Publishing as Author of the Month.

The first UCF Theatre faculty member to develop and instruct a Queer Theatre, Theatre of Diversity (web-based), Theatre for Social Change, and Women in Theatre course. 

One of the first UCF Theatre Faculty members to successfully complete Peggy MacIntosh’s national SEED program.

The first Theatre UCF Facutly member to develop and instruct a completely web-based Theatre Survey course for the Florida Prison Education Project.

A UCF ALLY (completing all workshops and training events).

A Secular Safe Zone member.

The first UCF Theatre Faculty member to develop K-12 programming, veterans, and community members for the Veteran’s Legacy Program.

One of the first collaborative groups chosen by the provost to reimagine the General Education Program.

Part of the first UCF core groups to create and develop cultural competencies for the University.

One of the first members tasked with the new development of a BA theatre track for Socially Engaged Theatre.

Academic Appointments

Senior Lecturer, The University of Central Florida                                2004 - Current

Development, implementation and instructing performance and theatre studies courses.

Service and support to the university & surrounding communities. Supervision of graduate TA’s and GTA’s. Team Development for Applied Theatre Track.

Associate Lecturer, The University of Central Florida                           2008 - 2004

Development, implementation and instructing performance and theatre studies courses. 

Visiting Instructor, Daytona Beach State College                                   2008 - 2004

Development, implementation and instructing performance and theatre studies courses. 

Guest Instructor, The Orlando Repertory Theatre                                   2006

Theatre for young audiences - guest instructor of performance.

Instructor, Washington D.C.’s City Youth Theatre                                  1998 - 1999

Development, implementation and instructing acting and movement courses.

Instructor Maryland Theatre Arts Company, Performance Faculty       1995 - 1996

Development, implementation and instructing acting and movement courses.

Instructor, The University of Alabama                                                      1992 - 1993

Instructor of stage voice and diction.

Course Development & Instruction

THE2000, Theatre Survey

Theatre UCF’s first web-based Theatre Course.

Instruction includes section in web-based, face-to-face, honors section, and Florida Prison Education Project section.

Diamond Status and certified Gordon Rule Writing designation. 

THE3254, Queer Theatre

Development, implementation and instructed this original course. Examines the roots, progression and current trends.

TPP4531, Period Movement Styles                                                          

A performance course for BFA students, focused on movement for actors,

specific to various time periods.

TPP 31003, Intermediate Acting

Continuation in the development of performance skills of body, mind & voice through monologue and scene work.

TPP2185, Fundamentals of Acting                                                         

A performance based course, focused on the Stanislavski Method. Monologue 

and scene study.

TPP3531C, Advanced Movement                                                            

A performance based course for BFA students, covering a variety of advanced     

stage movement techniques.

TPA2248C, Make-up Techniques                                                            

Research and application techniques for stage make-up design and application.

THE2000H, Honors Theatre Survey                                                                        

A survey of the art and craft of theatre for honor students.

THE5215, 4212/3212, Global Theatre                                                         

Developed, implemented and instructed this original course, undergraduate and graduate level sections focused on selected designers, performers and playwrights from around the globe. Undergraduate, as well as graduate level sections.

THE5425/3423, Women in Western Theatre               

Developed, implemented and instruct this original course, undergraduate and graduate sections focused on selected playwrights, performers and designers in western theatre.

THE5237, Cultural Diversity Through Theatre                                            

A graduate level web-based and face to face course focusing on diverse communities how they use theatre to tell their stories. 

THE5545, Theatre for Social Change                                                

Graduate level course, developed and instruct, focusing on 

Theatre of the Oppressed, as well as other specific groups. 

THE2304, Script Analysis                                                                           

Script framework, analysis and best practices.

THE3905, Directed Independent Theatre Study                                   

Independent theatre study and projects.

THE3311, Theatre History & Dramatic Literature I 

Theatre history and literature from the Greeks to the Renaissance.

THE3312, Theatre History & Dramatic Literature II   

Theatre history and literature from the French neoclassicism to modern realism.                         

Treasure Box Theatre, Orlando Repertory Theatre                              

Theatre for young audiences, workshop and showcase.

Introduction to Speech & Diction                                                              

The University of Alabama’s introductory course in speech preparation,

presentation, the history of the English language and IPA.

Acting Fundamentals                                                                                    

Washington D.C. City TYA Program.

Stage Movement                                                                                                 

Washington D.C. City TYA Program.

Monologue Preparation & Presentation                                                      

Washington D.C. Inner-City TYA Program.

Theatre Arts                                                                                                        

Maryland Theatre Arts Company, basic skills in movement, acting, voice, 

improvisation and play development.

Publications & Acknowledgements

Beyond the 4th Wall, Kendall Hunt Publishing, Holly E. McDonald.

A Beginning Actor’s Companion, 5th Edition, Harris, Pate & Wonzong, acknowledgement.

The Bedford Introduction To Drama, 5th & 6th Editions, Jacobus, acknowledgement.

The Theatre Experience, 5th & 6th Editions, Wilson, acknowledgement.

International Women’s Issues Conference, paper & presentation, And finally, I’m pissed off because Gender Bias Still exists in the Theatre.

Conferences/Women’s-Issues-Conference

ISBN:978-1-5323-0118-6

 Acting & Directing

(Selected 1990 – Current)

Acting

Proclamation of a Multiracial Woman                                Woman          

The University of Wyoming

Underfire                                                                               Multiple Roles                       

The University of Central Florida

Hanna, A Run on Odessey                                                  Hanna                                       

The New Dramatist Theatre, New York, N.Y.

Hanna, A Run on Odessy                                                    Hanna                                          

The Birmingham Loft, Pittsburgh, P.A.

Venus Hottentott                                                                  Multiple/Movement Team   

The Studio Theatre, Washington, D.C.

Performance Art Showcase                                                Multiple Roles          

Washington, D.C.

Holly Steps Out                                                                    Holly                                         

Logan Circle Weekend Showcase, Washington, D.C.

Dupont Crew Showcase                                                      Various Roles                                   

Washington, D.C.

Dancing at Lughnasa                                                             Rose                                            Marion Galloway Theatre, AL

The Praying Mantis                                                                Llalla                                         

The University of Alabama

Taming of The Shrew                                                             Kate                                              

North-West Performance Troupe, Washington, D.C.

Lysistrata                                                                                Lysistrata                                    

North-West Performance Troupe, Washington, D.C.

Directing

(Selected 1990 – Current)

Legacy                                                            The Veteran’s Legacy Program

Man and Superman, Assistant Director         The University of Central Florida

Proclamation of a Multiracial Woman          The University of Central Florida

Man on the Street, Video                               the University of Central Florida

Witness                                                           Holocaust Memorial Resource & 

                                                                         Education Center of Florida

What is Theatre, Video                                   The University of Central Florida

Snow White                                                     S.E. Children’s Theatre, Washington, DC

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory                 Orlando Boys & Girls Club

Trailer Park Medea                                         Lofts, Birmingham, AL

Oedipus                                                          North-West Troupe, Washington D.C.

The Vagina Monologues                               North-West Troupe, Washington D.C.

Annual Showcase                                         Maryland Theatre Arts Company

TYA Showcase                                              Maryland Theatre Arts Company

Certificates

(Selected 1990 – Current)

IDL6543, The University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida’s Course Development and Web-Services, award winning course for the development, instruction and maintenance of web-based courses.  Certificate awarded for the successful completion of the course and the development of a UCF Theatre’s FIRST completely web-based theatre course.

National Seed (Dr. Peggy Mc Intosh 2018 – 2019 Cohort

Jobs with Justice Leadership Training 2017 Cohort

Alpha Psi Omega 1992

Legacy Leadership and Mentoring Program 2011 – 2012 Cohort

Women’s History Month Honoree 2019

Certified Actor/Combatant 

Previous certification, not current.

Certificates of Completion, UCF Diversity & Inclusion Summer Development (2009 - 2018). 

The University of Central Florida, LGBTQ Ally Training.

The University of Central Florida, Secular Safe Zone Training (advanced).

Presentations

(Selected 1990 – Current)

Dramaturgy & Social Justice with Holly E. McDonald, https://youtu.be/lSCSv7G1cP8

The Veteran’s Legacy Program, Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Orlando.

Dance & Drumming Facilitator & Performer, UCF Celebrates the Arts, Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. 

Florida Prison Education Program, Virtual, Presentation of Student Poetry. 

International Women’s Issues Conference, paper presentation, and finally, I’m pissed off because Gender Bias Still exists in the Theatre

Conferences/Women’s-Issues-Conference

ISBN:978-1-5323-0118-6

Using Play Scripts to Broaden Student Understanding of Common Human Themes and Diverse Cultures. 2017 UCF- Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning Winter Development Conference.

Presentation and workshop: Storytelling as a High Impact Practice in Creating, Developing and Facilitating Diversity and Inclusive Experiences. 

Geo TV, Equity in theatre.

UCF Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning Development Conference Presenter –Using Theatre as A Teaching Tool in the Classroom.

UCF Faculty Showcase- Creating Inclusive College Classrooms.

UCF Diversity and Inclusion Summer Conference Presenter – Image Theatre in The Pursuit of Social Justice.

Shepard Symposium for Social Justice Presenter, The University of Wyoming- Theatre for Social Justice-Dismantling Boxes.

Women’s & Gender Studies, YMLP Conference Presenter – Creating Community with Theatre for Social Justice.

Florida State Thespian Workshop Presenter – Theatre for Social Justice and Ritual Movement for the Actor.

Guest presenter for UCF Design Students – The Directors Perspective with Design.

Cultural Competencies, UCF Summer Faculty Conference.

Professional Service

(Selected 1990 – current)

UCF Women’s and Gender Studies Faculty Affiliate.

UCF Scholarships & Awards Committee.

UCF Guest Artists Committee Member.

UCF Theatre Assistant to the Director for assessment (GEP survey courses).

UCF Chosen (one of two submissions per organization) Submitter (Primary Investigator), MacArthur Foundation’s 100 & Change, Troupes for Troops.

UCF Women’s & Gender Studies Advisory Board Member.

UCF Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board.

UCF Diversity and Inclusion, Women’s History Month Planning Committee.

UCF Theatre Department Mentor for web-based courses.

Senator, UCF-United Faculty of Florida.

UCF Theatre Curriculum and Assessment Committee. 

NAACP – ACT So Oratory Adjudicator.

Supervision and Mentoring of UCF Graduate Teaching Assistants.

Respect UCF Campaign Organizer.

LEGACY Mentor.

Mosaic Mentor.

Kanga Knights, RAAS Knights & Women’s Student Union Advisor.

UCF Women’s Student Union Advisor.

UCF Equal Pay Committee.

UCF- Diversity & Inclusion, Rally For Respect Organizer.

Acting Area Committee member.

UCF Women and Gender Studies Search Committee service and Theatre Department.

UCF History and Literature Search Committee service.

Thesis Committee member (numerous graduate students).

Kennedy Center American College Theatre Adjudicator.

School of Performing Arts, recruitment, UCF.

The Arts at UCF Club advisor.

Florida State Junior Thespian Adjudicator and workshop presenter.

Half The Sky, Book Club and Discussion Group facilitator, Orlando, FL.

ISV Recruitment Volunteer for Africa (dance program).

Faculty Acting coach for students preparing for competition.

Contributor for the Assessment Toolkit for UCF Faculty Members with FCFTL.

UCF AllY Member and Trainer.

UCF Secular Safe Zone Member. 

Professional Development

(Selected 1990 – Current)

UCF Secular Safe Zone Ally, complete series.

UCF LGBTQ Complete Training Series and Trainer Series.

Forum Theatre Training Weekend – Image Theatre, New York, NY.

UCF-FCTL Winter Conference Participant & Presenter (numerous sessions).

Information Fluency Conference, Orlando, FL.

Rethinking Schools Writing Workshop, University of Wyoming.

Awarded Professional Leave (research and play development).

Metacognition: The key to lifelong learning, w/Saundra Yancy McGuire, PHD.

Creating Social Justice Advocates through Integrative Learning Experiences with Dr. S. Kent Butler

Introduction of Modular Design and Project-Based Learning in Lab Classes with Dr. Hansen Mansy

A Coqui in the Land of Penguins: Minority faculty in Academia. Ilenia Colon Mendoza PHD.

Connect with Social Media & Technology, Dramatists Guild Seth Lotterman & Gwydion Suilebhan.

Writer’s Block with Michael Bigelow Dixon, Miami, FL.

Business Practices Round Table – Legal, Licensing, Representation and Trends with Bruce Miller (Washington Square Arts & Film), Susan Schulman (Susan Schulman, a Literary Agent).

Directing New York/Director-Playwright Relationship with Richard Dresser, Haley Finn, Jon Jory, John Manzelli.

Theatre Justice Institute, participant and writer, Orlando, FL.

UCF Women’s Research Center- Successful Women Seminar Series.

Jobs with Justice, training completion certificate, Orlando, FL.

Office of Research & Commercialization, workshop series, Use of Copyright in the University. 

The Comedy Writer’s Block with Gary Garrison.

Developing the Ethical Obligations of Citizenship with Stepen Foster Black, J.D., 

Director of Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, Alabama.

Creating Inclusive College Classrooms for Students of Diverse Races and Ethnicities facilitated by Dr. Olga Molina and Dr. Reshawna Chapple.

Talk Class, Make Change: Harnessing Diverse Class Strengths by Class Action.

Secular and Religious Minority Awareness with Tee Rogers, SRMA and Secular Safe Zone Coordinator, University of Central Florida.

Not from the Same Mold: Differences/Similarities of Veterans and Adult Learners, facilitated by Dr. Lisa Mills and Dr. Robert Cassanello.

They Don’t Even Know Me: Inclusion of LGBTQ and Students in the Classroom facilitated by Hank Lewis, Quality Enhancement Plan & SACSCOC Reaffirmation, University of Central Florida.

Perspectives on the Role of Inclusion in Today’s Diverse Workplaces – A Panel Discussion with Mr. Louis R. Preston Jr., Florida Hospital, Ms. Mahjabeen Rafiuddin, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Ms. Gillian Saunders, Siemens Energy, Inc.

Performance Standards and OBOJOBO Learning Modules for UCF’s Cultural Competencies with Ms. Barbara Thompson, Assistant Director, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, University of Central Florida.

Establishing Inclusion: Notes from Diversity and Motivation: Culturally Responsive Teaching in College (Ginsberg and Wlodkowski) with Dr. Jocelyn Bartkevicius and Dr. George Musambira.

CityWrights Weekend Conference, Miami, FL.

Affiliations

Alpha Psi Omega

Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival

Theatre Communications Group

Southeastern Theatre Conference

UCF United Faculty of Florida Council

UCF LEGACY