Monica Ganas
Monica Ganas, Ph.D., teaches acting, improvisation, theater history, directing and writing classes, as well as courses in critical studies and the interplay of faith and culture. She is a two-time recipient of the Azusa Pacific University Faculty of the Year Award. She also received the Undergraduate Scholarly Achievement Award, in part for her book Under the Influence: California’s Intoxicating Spiritual and Cultural Impact on America and the Imago Dei Award for co-founding the Azusa Renaissance Theater Company, which aims to restore local arts through workshops and performance venues. She has directed over 30 main stage shows on and off campus and is a seasoned veteran of the entertainment industry, performing as an actor, writer, and producer/director, principally in satirical comedy, with wide-ranging credits. Since joining the faculty of APU, she has served as Department Co-Chair and has developed numerous programs and projects in Theater, Cinematic Arts, and Communication Studies, including KAPU radio and local television programs. She has chaired the Theater Area of the Southwest American/Popular Culture Association, and initiated a program to enable APU theater students to perform semi-annually at the International Fringe Festival in Scotland. Her mission is to equip the next generation of artists to do excellent, meaningful, and imaginative work in service to neighbor and culture.