Tiza Garland

Tiza Garland is an esteemed Associate Professor of Theatre at the University of Florida, where she imparts her extensive knowledge and experience to students in the MFA, BFA, and BA programs. Her teaching repertoire includes Movement for the Actor courses, Stage Combat, and Period Styles Movement, areas in which she has developed a profound expertise. Garland's approach to teaching is enriched by her diverse movement training, which spans classical acting, Grotowski-based work, Meyerhold's Biomechanics, and aerial dance. Garland's credentials are further bolstered by her certifications in Laban Movement Analysis, the Michael Chekhov Association, the Society of American Fight Directors, the British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat, and Dueling Arts International. These certifications reflect her commitment to mastering a wide array of movement techniques and combat styles, which she seamlessly integrates into her curriculum to provide a comprehensive learning experience for her students. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Garland has made significant contributions to the broader theatre community. She served as President of the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) for three years, a role in which she demonstrated her leadership and dedication to advancing the field of theatre. Her influence extends beyond her university, as she has conducted workshops and Master Classes at various universities and conferences, sharing her expertise with a wider audience. Garland's academic journey is marked by a commitment to lifelong learning. She completed coursework for a Ph.D. in Fine Arts, which complements her MFA in Theatre Pedagogy and her BA in Theatre, Spanish, and Asian Studies. This diverse educational background informs her teaching philosophy and enriches her ability to connect with students from various disciplines. Her passion for theatre and movement is evident in her dynamic teaching style and her ability to inspire students to explore the depths of their creative potential. Garland's contributions to the field of theatre education continue to shape the next generation of actors and theatre practitioners, making her a respected figure in both academic and professional circles.