Suzanne Ostersmith, M.F.A.

Suzanne founded the Academic Dance program at GU in 2000. Since then she has brought her signature passion and craft as director and choreographer to over 25 stage productions including the audience-record setting staging of Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line, Pippin, Suessical, Chicago and a Gonzaga original Weaving Our Sisters Voices. In addition, she has staged two Japanese folk tales (The Crane Wife and The Honorable Urashima Taro) as well as an annual Spring Dance Concerts.

As a dance, theatre, and visual artist, professor, and scholar Suzanne believes the ideas expressed by the body are part of a universal language that unlocks creativity and innovation. She develops opportunities for students to grow and learn about themselves and the world around them through community, collaboration, and creativity. Her philosophy of seeing the potential and humanity in each student (be they undergraduate or masters candidates) enforces a classroom and production culture that lifts each student to their highest good. Suzanne's areas of research and creative inquiry are in the intersection of the art forms of theatre, dance, and visual arts.