Mathdramatics: Math on Stage

Abstract: Math/Theater scholar, Dr. Emma LaPlace, will raise the curtain on plays that put mathematics in the spotlight. Join Dr. LaPlace as she explores how mathematics is portrayed and represented in theatrical productions. Part lecture, part performance, this presentation will bring the scripts to life, and move math from the page to the stage.

Speaker's bio: Dr. Emma LaPlace is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut, where she also teaches Drama. Her research focuses on the intersection of mathematics and theater. Dr. LaPlace was a double-major in Mathematics and Drama during her undergraduate studies at Vassar College, and earned her PhD from Columbia University. Dr. LaPlace has acted professionally at theaters across Connecticut. Her recent published works can be seen in Mathematical Association of America Focus, and International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology. She performed her one-woman show/lecture, Mathdramatics: Math on Stage, at the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians in Philadelphia. She has served as a math/theater consultant, and is currently collaborating with the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences for the 2026 Year of Math (you can find her monthly Math on Stage videos on theyearofmath.org). Her Instagram is @mathdramatics.

Moderator's bio: Ted Theodosopoulos is a mathematician who, after working for years in academia and industry, transitioned to teaching at the pre-college level seventeen years ago, the last nine at Nueva, where he teaches math and economics. Ted’s research background is in the area of interacting stochastic systems, with particular applications in biology and economics.

Computer scienceMathematics

Audience: researchers in the topic

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Relatorium seminar

Series comments: The name "Relatorium" combines "relator" with the Latin root "-ium," meaning "a place for activities" (as in "auditorium" or "gymnasium"). This seminar series is a platform to relate ideas, interact with math, and connect with each other.

In this series, we explore math beyond what we usually hear in standard talks. These sessions fall somewhere between a technical talk and a podcast: moderately formal, yet conversational. The philosophy behind the series is that math is best learned by active participation rather than passive listening. Our aim is to “engage and involve,” inviting everyone to think actively with the speaker. The concepts are accessible, exploratory, and intended to spark questions and discussions.

The idea of relatability has strong ties to compassion — creating space for shared understanding and exploration - which is the spirit of this seminar! This is a pilot project, so we’re here to improvise, learn, and evolve as we go!

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