By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – After a period of transition, UB's Department of Theatre and Dance once again has a permanent Department Chair.
Professor Robert Knopf of Connecticut College will begin his new post in August. He takes over for Saul Elkin, a former chair of the department, who has been serving as interim chair since January. Elkin stepped in when Department Chair Vincent O'Neill resigned for health reasons.
Knopf was selected from an impressive field of candidates after an extensive national search. Elkin says Knopf comes to the University with excellent and diversified credentials.
"He has a strong background in professional theater as a director," Elkin said. "But he's also a scholar who has written three or four books on film and theatre and is in the process of writing two more."
Elkin says Knopf is also a lawyer and will be an important advocate for the department.
The selection of Knopf is an historic choice. The post has traditionally been held by local theater professionals. Elkin says he, as well as others who have taken up the task, are a bit breathless. He's delighted with the selection.
"The department couldn't go on forever asking its own to step into the chair's position," Elkin said. "I enjoyed the years I chaired the department. But I'm very happy to see this new, young, energetic person stepping in. I have every hope that he's going to move the department forward."
Elkin continues his leadership role in the local theater community. In addition to teaching duties at UB, he is currently the interim executive director for Shakespeare in Delaware Park, as well as artistic director and founder of the new Jewish Repertory Theatre.