Dr Julia Pascal teaches Theatre at City University and at King’s College, London University. At King’s College she is also a Visiting Research Fellow, and she is an Associate Research Fellow at Birkbeck Centre for Contemporary Theatre.

Julia Pascal has taught at New York University, St Lawrence University, Guelph University,
the University of York and at City University.

Julia also runs regular workshops with Pascal Theatre Company.

COMMENTS FROM STUDENTS

Julia is one of that rare breed of educators who manages to teach creative writing creatively. With a rare combination of sharp-as-a-tack intellect, comprehensive knowledge of her subject and wide experience as a theatre practitioner, she connects seemingly disparate elements in meaningful ways and prises open doors to allow students valuable insights into both dramatic theory and the mind of the writer. 

John Straiton, MA student, City University, 2020

I have taken countless writing and literary courses in my time as a college student. However, for the first time this past spring, I was able to write about topics that meant something to me. Julia allows her students to think freely and openly in the classroom, while also enhancing their writing. We are taught to be proud of the work we create rather than feeling that it is just adequate enough to get a decent grade.

Emily Benkert, St Lawrence University Study Abroad Program, 2020

Julia Pascal embodies the idea that learning is a life-long endeavor. As my writing professor at New York University, she facilitated thoughtful and provocative discussions centered around art, history and narrative texts that amplified diverse voices and experiences. These discussions encouraged other students, and me, to challenge our understanding of the world by closely examining others’ lives and experiences. Her impact is equally powerful outside of the classroom. She has a unique way of developing meaningful interpersonal relationships with her students and using those relationships to encourage them to pursue more in-depth research and seek new experiences. Her passion is palpable. She is brilliant and charismatic, with an exceptional understanding of history and gender identity. I consider her to be a champion of my continued education as well as a dear friend.

Loren Williams, former NYU student, writing in 2020

I learned about the different technical aspects to look for in a theatre production, which allowed me to have a better understanding and appreciation for theatre. This class also made me realize that there is always room for improvement in my writing, and that I should strive to do better. Julia Pascal’s encouragement to command the space I hold and to speak my mind made me re-evaluate how I approach my position in the classroom and outside. I appreciated her interest in me as a student and individual.

Susan Liu, St Lawrence University, 2020

Julia helped us to each find our own voice and own writing style based on our characteristics. She also encouraged us to talk openly and help each other as writers, both in and outside class. I’ve developed good writing skills and habits that are useful for life in her class. Julia not only cares about how I grow as a writer, but also how I do in life as a person and a woman. She’s always willing to talk with me and help me wholeheartedly. I’m still in touch with her even 5 years after my writing class with her. I really hope I can take her class again!

Zehui Wang, NYU, 2015 and 2020

Intro to Theater was one of my favorite courses that I took while studying in London. There were two things that really stuck with me after taking this course. The first thing was just how much of a process theater is. While in the classroom, we spoke a lot about what it means to tell a story and the different ways it can be done. We learned about the common themes and character traits that storytellers use to get their message across in their work.
The second thing that I gained from this class was a heightened ability to watch theater. Every week we would attend performances in London. This component of the course was valuable because we were able to take the concepts we learned and class and practice identifying them in live performances. After going to the theater weekly, I began to view the performances through a different lens. I was able to engage with the works in a much deeper way.

Kevin Labrie, St Lawrence University Study Abroad Program, 2020

Julia Pascal was, without a doubt, my favorite instructor during my time at NYU. Besides being a wonderful instructor, I felt that I could always be myself in my writing, as well as in and out of class. I know that I was not the only one who felt that way either. She was willing to help any student who asked for other resources or books whenever he or she wanted to learn more about anything discussed in class. It always felt like Professor Pascal genuinely wanted to see students grow and do the best they could.
One of my favorite things about my classes with Professor Pascal was hearing her give feedback about our work. Beyond making us proficient and expressive writers, her feedback felt like encouragement about our lives as well. Since all of us put so much of our personalities and stories into our work, her words felt as though they pertained to more than just our writing. Professor Pascal was able to see more in us than just who we were as writers, but also as students trying to find out where we fit in the world. To this day, I can still recall the different bits of encouragement and advice I’ve received about my writing as well as my life aspirations.

William Ryley, St Lawrence University Study Abroad Program, 2020

My time working with Julia as an intern was absolutely fundamental not only in my pursuit of a career in the theatre, but in my own personal growth as a caring, collaborative human being. Julia is at once wise and down to earth, interesting and interested, knowledgeable and curious. During my time with her there was not a day when I did not feel taken care of, engaged, and genuinely respected as a fellow artist. Her wealth of experience and knowledge is something I truly never would have gotten from a traditional ‘desk job’ internship, and I will be forever grateful for the many afternoons spent discussing her writing in her dining room, pouring over research materials at the library, and critically engaging with her prolific body of work. Julia is an inimitable, brave, and welcoming artist whom I am proud not only to call my mentor but to call a friend as well. 

Brendon Wang, former NYU student reflecting in 2020.

My time working with Julia as an intern was absolutely fundamental not only in my pursuit of a career in the theatre, but in my own personal growth as a caring, collaborative human being. Julia is at once wise and down to earth, interesting and interested, knowledgeable and curious. During my time with her there was not a day when I did not feel taken care of, engaged, and genuinely respected as a fellow artist. Her wealth of experience and knowledge is something I truly never would have gotten from a traditional ‘desk job’ internship, and I will be forever grateful for the many afternoons spent discussing her writing in her dining room, pouring over research materials at the library, and critically engaging with her prolific body of work. Julia is an inimitable, brave, and welcoming artist whom I am proud not only to call my mentor, but to call a friend as well. 

Jack Lavey Boston University, 2019

Working with Julia was a unique experience because I never felt like I was simply “the intern”. From my first day, I felt immersed in the inner workings of the Pascal Theatre Company and Julia’s creative process. Every task or project that was handed to me was incredibly interesting and helped me hone important skills. Julia cultivates a working relationship that feels like you are colleagues with the same passion rather than just a teacher and student, which allowed me to get the most out of our time together. Through reading and doing research for her work, I learned so much about the material that I want to engage with and my aspirations as a creative professional.

Emma Finnerty, Boston University 2020

Read more comments from students

LECTURES AND ARTICLES ON EDUCATION

IS WRITING TALKING? IS TALKING WRITING?
New York University
https://wp.nyu.edu/ls-thinkglobalteachlocal/2016/12/05/is-writing-talking-is-talking-writing/

SEMINAR & READING OF “WOMAN IN THE MOON” AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
New York University
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6e-bejFGSM