Faculty and Staff

Laura Hope joined the faculty at Whitman College as chair of the Department of Theater and Dance in 2020. She has a doctorate in performance studies from the University of California, Davis. Her primary research interests are in new play and musical development, directing, dramaturgy and Irish theater.

Christopher Petit is a director, performer and teacher. He holds an MFA in directing from Columbia University and a BFA in acting from Rutgers University.

Daniel Schindler is a theater designer and scenic painter. He is a member of United Scenic Artists #829 and has designed professionally at the Toledo Repertory Theatre, the Arvada Center in Denver, Colorado, and the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts.  

Aaron Chvatal joins the faculty of Whitman College after an exciting decade of traveling the country and designing costumes for a range of theater, opera, and dance productions.

Nate Tomsheck has spent over 15 years teaching and serving as a technical director in a small liberal arts setting. Prior to coming to Whitman, Tomsheck served as the resident scenic and lighting designer at LaGrange College.

Renée Archibald is a dancer and choreographer. She has performed throughout New York City, the United States and internationally. Her choreographic work has been presented at NYC venues including The Brooklyn Museum, The Chocolate Factory, DanspaceDanspace Project, Dance Theater Workshop, and The Kitchen. She has received choreographic residencies through the Brooklyn Arts Exchange, Movement Research, and YaddoYaddo and has taught at Barnard College, University of Illinois, the Yard, and White Mountain Summer Dance Festival.

Peter de Grasse is a teacher, performer, and choreographer whose practice embodies both street and studio cultures. His style is built on popping foundations, with a focus on hitting, waving, and basics of animation. He battles under the moniker 'Sandman,' and is a member of 404 Crew, whose members hail from Dallas, L.A., Las Vegas, Portland, and Singapore. His teachers and mentors include AJ Megaman and Slick Dogg, as well as his crewmates, including Marcus 'Grillz' Brown.

Barbara DeLauter is a mentor, organizer, process improver and theater enthusiast.