Molly Paberzs SANDBOX
Performance Studies through a global lens
The Center for World Performance Studies (CWPS) was established in 2000 to serve the needs of faculty and a student body with an interest in the discipline of Performance Studies, expressly through a global lens. Since that time, CWPS has worked to offer a multidisciplinary space for artists, performers, scholars, and the community for intellectual interactions and public performances. CWPS is situated at an exciting intersection of scholarly, creative, community and critical practices.
Mission & Strategic Priorities
The Center for World Performance Studies seeks to create intellectual and physical space for the study of performance. Our aim is to advocate for performance as a mode of research and as a means of public engagement, centering on underrepresented, non-Western, and diasporic voices, bodies, and acts. We connect—both locally and globally—students, faculty, artists, thinkers, and scholars in order to educate each other about Performance Studies and to promote interdisciplinary and intersectional insights and research methodologies.
Our work aims to advance interdisciplinary performance studies practices through four primary programs and activities:
- Artist & Scholar Residencies
- Graduate Fellows–a year-long graduate certificate in World Performance Studies
- Faculty Fellows–receive summer research funding and share their insights through lectures and class visits
- Co-sponsorship of student and faculty events
Performance studies is in its very nature a challenge to and a questioning of traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Programs & Initiatives
Button leading to> Upcoming CWPS Events
Button leading to> Videos of past CWPS Events(?)
Does your chamber ensemble want to go pro?
Do you want to organize a dance festival or bring new plays to the stage?
Maybe you have an idea for a killer smartphone app that will enhance the audience experience?
Whatever your dream, the EXCEL program can help put your ideas into action.
Graduate Certificate
Eileen Weiser EXCEL Fund
The Eileen Weiser EXCEL Fund has supported more than $700,000 in student project, venture, and internship funding to-date. Initially funded by the Weiser Family, EXCEL’s funding programs continue to impact hundreds of students each year.
EXCEL Enterprise Fund
The EXCEL Enterprise Fund offers micro grants of up to $1,000 for students to support individual or team projects that have significant professional development and community impact. In exceptional cases proposals may be awarded up to $1,500.
General EXCEL funding information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Performing Arts EXCELerator
The Performing Arts EXCELerator is an entrepreneurial fellowship program open to all U-M students with early-stage performing arts ventures as individuals or teams. Interdisciplinary projects involving two or more U-M departments are encouraged. Selected projects receive mentoring and support, and have access to up to $1,000 seed money, with an opportunity to pitch for up to $4,000 in additional funding.
General EXCEL funding information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
EXCEL Prize
The School of Music, Theatre & Dance EXCEL Prize recognizes extraordinary excellence in performing arts entrepreneurship, leadership and social impact, and is awarded to a University of Michigan student or student team that has established a standout performing arts venture. Beyond the cash prize of $10,000, the awardee receives mentorship by EXCEL staff.
General EXCEL funding information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Internships
EXCEL connects students to paid internships with partner arts organizations that provide exclusive opportunities to SMTD students. Past partnerships have included the Metropolitan Opera, the University Musical Society (UMS), the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, DanceWorks Chicago, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, the EXCEL Internship Fund provides students with grant awards to cover living and travel expenses incurred through accepting unpaid or underfunded summer internships.
Funding Opportunities
Eileen Weiser EXCEL Fund
The Eileen Weiser EXCEL Fund has supported more than $700,000 in student project, venture, and internship funding to-date. Initially funded by the Weiser Family, EXCEL’s funding programs continue to impact hundreds of students each year.
EXCEL Enterprise Fund
The EXCEL Enterprise Fund offers micro grants of up to $1,000 for students to support individual or team projects that have significant professional development and community impact. In exceptional cases proposals may be awarded up to $1,500.
General EXCEL funding information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Performing Arts EXCELerator
The Performing Arts EXCELerator is an entrepreneurial fellowship program open to all U-M students with early-stage performing arts ventures as individuals or teams. Interdisciplinary projects involving two or more U-M departments are encouraged. Selected projects receive mentoring and support, and have access to up to $1,000 seed money, with an opportunity to pitch for up to $4,000 in additional funding.
General EXCEL funding information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
EXCEL Prize
The School of Music, Theatre & Dance EXCEL Prize recognizes extraordinary excellence in performing arts entrepreneurship, leadership and social impact, and is awarded to a University of Michigan student or student team that has established a standout performing arts venture. Beyond the cash prize of $10,000, the awardee receives mentorship by EXCEL staff.
General EXCEL funding information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Internships
EXCEL connects students to paid internships with partner arts organizations that provide exclusive opportunities to SMTD students. Past partnerships have included the Metropolitan Opera, the University Musical Society (UMS), the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, DanceWorks Chicago, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, the EXCEL Internship Fund provides students with grant awards to cover living and travel expenses incurred through accepting unpaid or underfunded summer internships.
EXCEL Immersions
EXCEL Immersions are unique, professional development trips that take students to different cultural centers around the world to meet professionals doing work in a broad range of artistic disciplines. See firsthand what a career in the arts can look like and start building your network by exploring leading arts organizations and engaging with top professionals in the field.
Previous Immersions
- NYC/Broadway Immersion 2023 – New York, NY
- Theatre Arts Immersion 2022 – Chicago, IL
- Trinity Laban CoLab (Multidisciplinary Performance) 2020 – London, England
Coaching Appointments
Current students can use our team Calendly link to schedule a one-on-one appointment with a member of the EXCEL Team.
- Schedule an appointment on Calendly.
- Not sure where to start? Complete our Student Intake Form to direct you to the right place.
Dean's Liaisons
The Dean’s Liaisons program is an arts management and leadership training program that places qualified SMTD students with paid work positions in SMTD offices and departments.
Contact Us
- Jonathan Kuuskoski, Chair of Entrepreneurship & Leadership, Director of the EXCEL Lab
- Gabrielle Piazza, Assistant Director Director of the EXCEL Lab
Schedule a coaching appointment with an EXCEL staff member on our Calendly team website.