Image: Associate Professor Julie Ray, an established theatre and film practitioner, has been appointed to head the Department of Theatre & Film Studies. The appointment takes effect August 1. Ray, who came to the University of Georgia from the University of Pittsburgh in 2013, will succeed Dr. David Saltz, who is returning to full-time teaching and research. Dr. Saltz will continue to serve as the area head for the department’s Ph.D. in Performance studies program, having served as department head since 2004 after joining the faculty in 1997. “I’m grateful to David for his outstanding service over the past 14 years and look forward to continuing to expand upon his mission of preparing students to become leaders in theatre, film and media in both practice and scholarship,” says Ray. "We are delighted that Professor Ray is taking on this role,” says Associate Dean of Franklin College Dr. Jean Martin-Williams. “Her prominence in her field, devotion to the student experience, and creative approach will be a benefit for the department and college. We appreciate the devoted service of Dr. Saltz and look forward to his continued research." Ray has served the department as associate professor of scenic design, production coordinator, and aided in the development of UGA’s newly-established MFA in Film in 2020. She has worked professionally in the fields of theatre and film for two decades, with credits ranging from world premieres to Netflix original series to major Hollywood productions. Most recently she served as scenic designer for the world premiere of Chris Anthony Ferrer’s play “Swindlers” at Aurora Theatre alongside costume designer Ivan Ingermann, the department’s design area head. Research Areas: Scenic Design
