Joan Schirle, Founding Artistic Director of Dell’Arte International, is an actor, director, playwright, deviser, and master teacher. She was director of the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre from 2003—2011 and devised its accredited MFA program. She won a 2006 TCG/Fox Foundation distinguished actor fellowship; 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Movement Theatre Educators. Director at San Diego Rep, Bloomsburg Ensemble, Traveling Jewish Theatre, Alley Theatre, Dell'Arte.