Bob (Robert A.) Nelson taught theatre at BYU many years (chair, 1998-2004), and then “came home” to his alma mater, the U of U Department of Theatre (chair, 2005-09). He particularly enjoys theatre history, dramatic literature, new-play development, acting, directing, and Shakespeare. He has published on the teaching of Shakespeare, and on the stage plays of Samuel Beckett. Proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Bob has presented at ASTR (American Society for Theatre Research), ATA (American Theatre Association), ATHE (Association for Theatre in Higher Education), Comparative Drama Conference, RMTA (Rocky Mountain Theatre Association), UTA (Utah Theatre Association), and KCACTF (Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival). He loves working with KFACTF because of its emphasis on the learning and growth of students.
Bob was raised in Omaha and Tucson. He has a BA (Dramatic Theory; Arizona) and a PhD (Theatre; Utah). He and the former Char Pomeroy are the proud parents of four and grandparents of seven.
Representative directing:
- 45 Seconds from Broadway, California Suite (Neil Simon Festival)
- The First Water Problem (Salt Lake Acting Company)
- Diary of Anne Frank, Wit (U of U)
- Handing Down the Names, Nathan the Wise (BYU)
Representative stage roles:
- Ephraim Cabot, Desire Under the Elms (Sting and Honey)
- Robeck, Winter (Salt Lake Acting Company)
- Dr. Pretorius, Bride of Frankenstein (Sackerson)
- Thomas Jefferson, The Third Crossing (Plan-B Theatre Company)
- Ben Epstein, Broadway Bound (Neil Simon Festival)
- Macbeth, Macbeth, and Prospero, The Tempest (BYU-Hawaii)
Representative feature-film roles:
- Father Vernon, “Evil Angel”
- Isaac Hale, “Emma Smith: My Story” and “Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration”
- Judge Richard Young, “Hancock County”
- Professor, “Pride and Prejudice”
- Parker, “Brigham City”
Representative voice-overs:
- Marley, “A Christmas Carol,” radio drama
- Narrator, “The Light of Men,” “The Restoration”