Dr. Sharon Onevelo Watkinson
Professor & Chair of Theatre
College of Arts & Sciences – Theatre & Fine Arts
Email: sw@niagara.edu
Phone: (716) 286-8482
Office Location: Clet Hall
Bio
Sharon earned her Ph.D. from New York University, and MA from The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Here at N.U., Dr. Watkinson has directed many productions including the Focus Award-winning J.B. and Good Woman of Setzuan. She has acted frequently in local and university theatre productions including Women Times Women, the title role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire, Madame Ranevsky in The Cherry Orchard, Helene Hanff in 84 Charring Cross Road with Buffalo Ensemble Theatre, Melissa in Love Letters, the Princess Kosmonopolis in Sweet Bird of Youth and General Cartwright in Guys and Dolls at Artpark. Dr. Watkinson has made TV and radio commercials for local agencies and for ten years (1984 -1994) produced and hosted "P.S. Niagara U." a cable television program that aired in the Western New York area. A recipient of the College of Arts and Sciences "Outstanding Teacher Award," she also received the first Joseph P. Ganley, C.M. Award for her contributions to theatre both at the university and in the community. In 1997 she was the recipient of the College of Arts and Sciences’ "Excellence in Service Award." In 1999 she received a special commendation from the Eugene O'Neill Society for her efforts in successfully organizing the first international conference on Eugene O'Neill held in Hamilton, Bermuda. In January 2005 she was honored by the University with the Vincentian Mission Award. Dr. Watkinson’s most recent accomplishment has been the successful implementation of a London, England Theatre Study Abroad Program for N.U. theatre majors. Working with theatre faculty from Schiller International University in London, a special program has been established whereby students may earn twelve semester hours during the summer months.
