Eli Simon

Eli Simon is an Associate Professor of Drama and head of acting at the University of California, Irvine. He has directed over seventy productions at regional, Shakespearean, and university theatres. Simon has taught masking techniques across the United States, and in England, Italy, and Spain. Simon is the artistic director of the California Commedia Troupe - dedicated to the creation of original masked productions and international tours. The troupe has toured Europe on three occasions with...See more

Eli Simon is an Associate Professor of Drama and head of acting at the University of California, Irvine. He has directed over seventy productions at regional, Shakespearean, and university theatres. Simon has taught masking techniques across the United States, and in England, Italy, and Spain. Simon is the artistic director of the California Commedia Troupe - dedicated to the creation of original masked productions and international tours. The troupe has toured Europe on three occasions with their seminal play, The Venetian Physician's Magician. At La Sala Mirador, in Madrid, Simon directed the world premiere of Vaudevillo - featuring Spanish and American actors and masks. He is currently collaborating on a Korean mask drama commedia adaptation of The Birds. Simon received a BA in Theatre from UC Davis and an MFA in Acting from Brandeis. He lives in Irvine with his wife, daughter, and standard poodle. See less