M. Landon (“Landon,” they/he) is a PhD student in theatre studies and game studies & design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As a dramaturg and game historian, they analyze gaming through a performance studies lens, arguing that contemporary games utilize theatrical methodologies to envision and enact the future.
Landon’s dramaturgical work spans from new work readings to fully staged musicals. As an educator, Landon has taught introduction to theatre, script analysis, theatre history, stage combat, and directing courses. Landon’s performance experience ranges from Shakespeare and other classical works to contemporary dramas. Landon often assists archival efforts for the Living Theatre, under the direction of Thomas S. Walker. They are also open for freelance dramaturgy, script consultation, and workshops.
As a narrative designer and game writer, Landon has been working mostly on passion projects. Multiple of these projects can be found on Landon’s itch.io profile below. They are also one of many writers working on the Skywind project, a community-based mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, PhD Theatre Studies (in progress), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, MA Theatre Studies, Kean University, BFA Theatre Performance.
NEWS: Landon’s article, “‘Humanity First: Performing Terror in BioWare’s Mass Effect,” was published in the newest edition of Liminalities. Volume 19, issue 1 (June 2023) can be found here.
