Academic Advising
Michael Mansfield is the Undergraduate Academic Advisor for the Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies. Current or prospective students may contact him regarding major and minor requirements, declaring a major or minor, advanced study opportunities (capstones), or any other concerns related to TDPS undergraduate courses.
Michael’s professional theater and dance background includes more than 40 years of studying, performing, teaching, writing, choreographing, and directing. He is interested in the intersection point where theater, ritual, and education meet, and, has an unapologetic kinesthetic learning bias.
Contact Michael: tdpsugadvisor@berkeley.edu
Peer Advising
Peer Advisors discuss the Department, courses, opportunities, and their personal experiences with current or prospective students and their parents/guardians. Peer Advisors help with events such as Major Declaration Nights, Cal Day, and Commencement. They are also “on-call” advisors available to email with, or take a call from, an incoming or prospective student.
Sofie Herbeck
Computer Science / Theater & Performance Studies
I've loved theatre for years, because of the power it has to offer different perspectives through telling people's stories. I've experienced this firsthand at Berkeley through my participation in the 2018 production of the Vagina Monologues and in the Students' Experimental Theatre group (SXT). In my time here, I hope to continue learning and practicing more effective ways of using theatre to change people's outlook on life. If this sounds like something you're interested in, or if you're considering double majoring, or you just want to chat—feel free to reach out.
Email: sofieherbeck@berkeley.edu
Mikee Loria
Film Studies / Theater & Performance Studies
Before coming to Berkeley, I thought theater was just a hobby. But, after I took Fundamentals of Acting, I realized that theater was something I could dedicate my life to. I have a deep passion for telling stories and connecting with other artists. Outside of TDPS, I'm involved with Barestage Productions, Bindlestiff Studios, Kollaboration SF, DKAP, and a founding member of ARC Repertory Theatre. If you ever need a heart-to-heart or someone to talk to about majors, minors, or theater life in general, feel free to reach out to me!
Email: michaeleloria@berkeley.edu
Swetha Prabakaran
Computer Science / Dance & Performance Studies
Outside of TDPS, I'm part of Cal Performances' Student Ambassador for the Arts and teach for the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology. Feel free to ask me any and all questions you may have about navigating Cal, TDPS, or juggling multiple interests at once. I have scholastic and professional experience in dance of many varieties, from classical Indian to musical theatre, and am always happy to chat about anything on your mind!
Email: swethapraba@berkeley.edu
Anna Sharpe
Dance & Performance Studies / Theater & Performance Studies
I transferred to Cal as an Art History major but felt the constant pull of performance after taking the acting courses that the department offered, until I finally decided to make the switch official. I have gotten such great direction and advice from TDPS mentors and advisors when I felt lost or conflicted. From personal experience as an actor of color, I would like to make any incoming student who is curious or at a crossroads feel as welcomed as I was, because there is room for everyone at the table. I am more than happy to listen to anyone who wants to vent, to answer advising questions, and to help anyone find their tribe here in the department.
Email: amsharpe@berkeley.edu
Khoi Vo
Media Studies / Theater & Performance Studies
Through the hardships that I have experienced as a Vietnamese immigrant and an English learner, I have developed a passion for helping underrepresented communities navigate resources, and spreading cultural awareness through theatrical productions and/or events. I am also a Peer Mentor at UC Berkeley Extension-International Programs, an Ambassador of the student-led Vietnamese Student Association, Culture Show, and the Director of Logistics of Salsa at Cal. If I'm not doing any of these, you'll probably catch me suffering or thriving in Moffitt or Eshleman!
Email: khoinv97@berkeley.edu
Arthur Weiss
Economics / Theater & Performance Studies
Originally from Brazil, I came to Berkeley with one dream: double major in economics and theater. When I first got here I was extremely confused. It was only when I asked people for help that the answers to my questions became clear. Slowly, I started to learn how to navigate this department and the university. After some time, friends realized I was doing something different and some of them even asked for help to figure out their own plans. That's when I noticed that the way I approached college could help other people. Instead of being a hard task, advising is a natural part of my life that I love. So please feel free to shoot me an email and I'll gladly help with anything you need.
Email: arthurweiss@berkeley.edu
Kellyann Ye
Computer Science / Theater & Performance Studies
I arrived at Cal intending biology, then worked on the production of Metamorphoses in October 2017 as a deckhand and was utterly charmed by TDPS. Now, I also do electrics work for a local theater effects company, and am part of Students' Experimental Theatre, a campus group focused on unconventional performance. My interest is in political theater, using art to enact social change. I fell in love with theater because of the TDPS department members that I've gotten to work with so far, so please come hang out with me — I'd love to meet you all!
Email: kellyann_ye@berkeley.edu