Julia Smeliansky

Biography

Prior to joining Syracuse University, Julia Smeliansky was the associate director for pedagogical programs at the American Repertory Theater; lecturer on theater, dance & media at Harvard University; and the director of instruction at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

Smeliansky is an artistic producer, translator and educator. She produced numerous international cultural projects and exchanges, including the Centennial American Tour of the Moscow Art Theater at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the American Tour of the Boris Eifman Ballet, the Maya Plisetskaya Gala at The City Center in New York and the Stars of Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet at Lincoln Center. She co-translated with Ryan McKittrick “Forbidden Christmas” by Rezo Gabriadze starring Mikhail Baryshnikov, as well as “Lady With A Lapdog” and “The Seagull” by Anton Chekhov. Her translations into Russian include “The Pillowman” by Martin McDonagh, “Circle Mirror Transformations” by Annie Baker, “Fat Pig” by Neil LaBute, “Is He Dead” by Mark Twain, “Leading Ladies” and “Lend Me A Tenor” by Ken Ludwig and “Cemetery Club” by Ivan Menchel.

Smeliansky is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and holds an M.F.A. in art history from Moscow State University.

Education

• M.F.A., Yale University
• M.F.A., Moscow State University