Andrew J. Corsa, Ph.D.

Here you can find information about my academic publications and creative projects.

I am the author of the book, Theater to Change the World: Shia LaBeouf and the Slauson Rec Company, published by McFarland & Company.

It is available on Amazon here and on McFarland's website here.

Theater to Change the World Book Cover

The Slauson Rec Theater Company, established in 2018 and dissolved in 2021, was well known for its use of experimental acting techniques. This book situates the company within the social and cultural landscapes of its Los Angeles location and discusses the theater’s relationship to empathy, interpersonal relationships, and democratic participation. Actor training has been shown to enhance nonverbal communication and encourage empathetic understanding, raising the question about the application of such practices to fields beyond dramatic performance.

Interviews with company members such as Shia LaBeouf as well as references to contemporary and historical thinkers reveal how personal development and collective expression can be enhanced through collaborative theater. Integrating insights from theater studies, philosophy, and psychology, the book also offers a reflective account of participatory art forms fostering civic engagement and democratic values.