Dwandra Nickole Lampkin

Dwandra Nickole Lampkin is an associate professor of theatre in Western Michigan University's Department of Theatre. Before joining WMU, Dwandra taught at Ball State University in the Department of Theatre and Dance for eight years. She received her B.S. from Western Michigan University and an M.F.A. from the National Theatre Conservatory. 

Before her career in academia, Lampkin lived in New York City. Known professionally as Dwandra Nickole, her television credits include Law and Order, Third Watch, Law and Order: SVU and the critically acclaimed ABC series Wonderland.  In addition, she has appeared in numerous commercials and independent films.  

She has performed regionally at the Tony Award-winning Denver Center Theatre; The Huntington Theatre in Boston; the National Black Theatre in New York City; the Indiana Repertory Theater; the Phoenix Theatre; and the Human Race Theatre. Some of her most memorable roles include Aunt Ester in August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean; Mrs. Muller in Doubt; Calpurnia in To Kill a Mockingbird; Matron Mama Morton in Chicago; and Elizabeth in In the Next Room, aka (The Vibrator Play).   

Lampkin also tours her original one-woman show entitled, "The Conviction of Lady Lorraine”. The show chronicles Lampkin’s personal journey as she set out to find the secret behind a homeless woman’s 25+year protest.  For booking information, upcoming events, videos, etc., visit www.dwandra.com 

Lampkin is also the recipient of numerous grants, some of which have allowed her to conduct research at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (in Harlem, New York), focusing on stereotypes and diversity in American Theatre. 

Lampkin is a member of Actor’s Equity Association, the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.