Burcu Seyben

Seyben has been teaching at CSI for the past seven years, bringing more than 20 years of experience in theater as both a scholar and artist. She teaches acting, play production, theater history, and appreciation, creating a classroom environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and exploration.

Her work in theater has taken her across Turkey, Europe, and the United States, and before joining CSI she taught at Istanbul University and Bennington College. She holds degrees in playwriting, visual communication design, and theater criticism and dramaturgy, and continues to grow in her craft as she trains with the National Michael Chekhov Association.

In her classes, Seyben focuses on building a strong sense of community. She encourages students to take risks, be open-minded, and support one another throughout the creative process. Students often find it surprising that making big mistakes is part of learning. Through that process, they build confidence and develop skills in communication, collaboration, leadership, and commitment.

Outside of CSI, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending her son’s recitals, watching community theater, writing creative nonfiction, and exploring movement through yoga.Her advice to students: the rewards in theater come through commitment.

Beyond the classroom, Seyben is directing Anna Karenina, with performances running May 6 through May 9. The production showcases the work of CSI students and reflects the hands-on, immersive learning experience the program provides.