Paul S Kassel

Paul Kassel (he/him) was the Dean for the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Northern Illinois University from 2016 to 2026. He is currently a full professor in the School of Theatre and Dance.

In New York City for eleven years as a professional actor, director, and writer, Paul worked off, and off-off Broadway, in regional theaters, and in several films and television shows. Paul has maintained his professional career since entering academia, most recently performing the role of “Stage Manager” in Our Town (2019) and directing Romeo and Juliet (2020) with Kane Repertory Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois. Last November performed Swan Song—An Actor’s Life in the NIU Recital Hall. He is currently working on a collaborative project, Shakespeare’s Parent and Children, with a planned performance in Santa Cruz, CA and at NIU next fall.

Paul’s book, Acting: An Introduction to the Art and Craft of Playing, was published by Pearson in 2006. He recently created a Substack- Playing: Notes on the art and craft of acting. He was the editor of The Players’ Journal, an e-journal by and for actors and teachers of acting from 2004-2016.
Professor Kassel received his M.F.A. in Performance from the Florida State/Asolo Conservatory of Professional Actor Training. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and the Screen Actors’ Guild/American Federation of Radio and Television Artists. Professional associations include the International Conference of Fine Arts Deans, the Alliance of Arts in Research Universities, the National Conference of Arts Administrators, and the Association for Theatre in Higher Education.

Available Areas: North, Chicago Metro

Core Audiences: Adult, General

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