We are excited to announce that Sue Hamilton, EdD, a 2025 graduate of the EdD program in Educational and Professional Practice at Antioch University, has published their dissertation titled A New Normal: An Autoethnographic Analysis of Gender Complexities in Los Angeles Social Justice Theatre Storytelling.
In this study, Hamilton uses autoethnography to explore the role of gender in Los Angeles social justice theatre storytelling. They chronicle their experience as a queer, nonbinary artist and social justice theatre practitioner, examining gender expression and inclusion through their social justice theatre company, Artists Rise Up Los Angeles (ARULA). Their research analyzes selections from ARULA’s original, politically focused stage plays performed between 2017 and 2019, emerging from a movement to create theatre that responded to the social climate following the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Through autoethnographic research and queer theory, Hamilton highlights how complex issues of gendered storytelling and performativity by transgender and nonbinary individuals are openly represented in ARULA’s work. Their dissertation also examines how these gender narratives aim to create social change and combat anti-gender ideology and anti-trans liberation in contemporary culture.
In addition to their doctoral achievement, Hamilton is the founder and Producing Artistic Director of ARULA, an internationally recognized artist, and a seasoned director and producer for theatre productions, Walt Disney live shows, and short films for ABC Television Discovers. They teach acting at Sue Hamilton Studio in Los Angeles and internationally. Hamilton holds a Doctorate in Education and Educational Practice, a Master of Arts in Education, Leadership and Change, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, all from Antioch University, as well as a degree in Acting, their first passion.
Hamilton is also the author of the inspiring book Have Fun Or Quit: Letters to My Acting Students, a beloved resource for actors seeking self-awareness and joy in their craft.
Engage with the full work here: https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1136
