The announcement marks the fifth Fulbright scholar to teach at NVCC. Four previous Fulbright scholars specializing in art, literature, music, and dance have enriched the multi-cultural programs of NVCC since 2012. The year-long award includes collaborations with Capital Community College, Tunxis Community College, high schools, community organizations, and theater-related groups.

NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis said, “We are thrilled once again to complement our fine arts curriculum, this time with a focus on theater, especially physical theatre and performing art. Our strategic plan commits us to reflect our diverse student body and embrace the wonderful cultures among the communities we serve. Theater literally becomes the stage for that commitment.”

Fulbright Scholars-in-Residence teach classes, work in the community, and reserve time to practice their craft.  The college scholar will be Stacey Sacks from Stockholm, Sweden who will join the NVCC faculty for the fall 2020 semester. A published author, teacher, director, physical performance artist, original theater creator, and entrepreneur, she will receive her doctorate this year from Stockholm’s University of the Arts. Her doctoral thesis is “Squirm: The Untethered Buffoon or The Trickster in Everything.”

Born in Zimbabwe, Sacks holds dual citizenship in South Africa and Sweden and has appeared as a leading performer as a clown in numerous countries. She has worked with various age groups in workshops, festivals, and acting classes. Her experience includes comedy improvisation, stand up comedy, and appearances in film and television. She has written, produced, and directed a number of short films.

Stacks has performed in a variety of Clowns Without Borders (Swedish Chapter) expeditions to Myanmar (Burma), Jordan, and Rwanda. With P. Nalle Laanela, she co-authored The Clown Manifesto, a book of tools, insights, and advice exploring the art of the physical comedian.