Professor James Cleveland earned his M.F.A. from Rutgers University and his B.A. from California State University, Northridge. He is a member of the Actors' Equity Association.

At NYSCAS, he teaches Survey of Human Communication, Public Speaking, Introduction to the Arts, and Introduction to Music.

He is the author of Making It Up as You Go, a theatre improvisation handbook, and the screenplay The Trial of Aaron Burr.

Prof. Cleveland is also an instructor of traditional Irish fiddle for the Irish Arts Center in New York City, and has worked as an actor in over 100 roles.

Teaching Philosophy:

“I encourage discussion and emphasize perspective-taking and critical thinking.”

Favorite Quote:

“The mark of an educated mind is to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”  — Aristotle