Florida State University Associate Professor of Performance Dr. Kris Salata was recognized as a recipient of the Guardian of the Flame Faculty Award on March 13, receiving the award for the College of Visual Arts, Theatre, and Dance. Created by Burning Spear in 2008, the Guardian of the Flame Faculty Award closes the gap between students and faculty by fostering better relationships at the University. Dr. Salata joined the ranks of Irma Myorga and Kate Gelabert, theatre faculty who have also received this award in previous years.
Kris Salata, who has a joint Ph.D. in Drama and the Humanities from Stanford University, is an artist-scholar who serves as theco-head of the BA Program at the School of Theatre. He teaches stage directing, performance, and theory courses in the BA, MA, MFA, and Ph.D. programs. The Guardian of the Flame award is given to a single faculty member to represent the entire College, meaning that 15 awards are given each year for all of Florida State University. “My biggest joy comes from the fact that it is the students who nominate and select the award recipients,” says Salata, “So, thank you, my students!”
The award has become a true symbol of excellence by recognizing an outstanding faculty member from every college and school at a private ceremony held each spring term. Faculty are chosen based on their contributions and dedication to the University and who, through their work, have made a commitment to advancing Florida State University as a leading institution of higher education.
Dr. Salata’s research is focused on phenomenological, ontological, and epistemological aspects of theatre practice with emphasis on Performance as Research. He has published articles and book chapters on Konstantin Stanislavsky, Jerzy Grotowski (most recently guest-edited a special issue of TDR dedicated to Grotowski), and the Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards. “I write on Heraclitus’ fire in my upcoming book on aliveness in theatre, so I found the award particularly appealing.” says Salata. “Indeed I feel quite honored. I will guard the flame!”