Nancy Smithner, PhD, is a director, performer, devisor and Clinical Associate Professor in the Program in Educational Theatre at New York University, where she teaches Physical Theatre, Acting, Directing, Devising, Theatre History, Play Theory, Pedagogy and Community Engaged Theatre.

A theatre director, she specializes in the devising of original performance works and plays, and has worked with populations of all ages, engaging participants in philosophical and creative play. As an applied theatre practitioner, Smithner teaches and directs in medium and maximum security prisons and was a 20 year member of the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit, performing for children in pediatric settings.