Rate My Professor Malissa Kano-White

Malissa Kano-White is a Professor of Theatre Arts at Hartwick College, where she was honored for 15 years of service during the college's 2024 Quinquennial Awards Celebration. Holding a Master of Fine Arts in Directing and Theatrical Production from Illinois State University (1983-1986), Kano-White has dedicated her career to fostering experiential learning in theatre within a liberal arts context. She previously served as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts, overseeing a program that annually produces two faculty-directed mainstage plays, senior thesis productions, and co-produces the 24 Hour Play Festival. Under her leadership, the department emphasized student involvement in all aspects of theatre production, preparing undergraduates for professional careers in performing arts and related fields.

Kano-White has directed several notable productions at Hartwick College, including 'The Story of My Life' in 2020, a musical exploring themes of friendship and memory, and contributed as the scriptwriter for the department's 2022 summer theatre production that engaged the Oneonta community in Shakespeare-inspired performances. In 2024, she collaborated with student intern Jordan Delage on the immersive audio drama 'Oneonta Audio Drama,' transporting listeners back in time through historical storytelling. Her interdisciplinary work includes partnering with nursing faculty on a readers' theatre performance depicting patients' perspectives and serving on committees such as the FlightPath Funds for Student Conference Travel. Kano-White received the Winifred Wandersee Scholar-in-Residence Award for the 2014-2015 academic year. Through her mentorship, students have advanced to graduate programs at Duke University and the University of Texas at Austin, and pursued professional opportunities like off-Broadway shows. Her contributions have enriched Hartwick's theatre program and the broader community.