Aaron Godwin

Aaron Godwin (He/They) is an Assistant Professor of Instruction & Academic Advisor at the School of Communication, Northwestern University, specializing in Musical Theater, Opera, Queer theory, and Voice. Their interdisciplinary approach bridges performance studies with academic advising.

• PhD in Sociology, New York University
• Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), 2020, Voice Performance & Literature, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
• Master of Social Work (MSW), 2024, Advanced Clinical Practice, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
• Master of Music (MM), 2016, Voice Performance & Literature, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
• Bachelor of Music (BM), 2013, Voice Performance & Literature, University of Central Florida
• Bachelor of Arts (BA), 2010, Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Central Florida

Aaron’s research focuses on musical theatre performance and pedagogy, with a doctoral dissertation analyzing A Chorus Line through queer critical theory to inform 21st-century practices. Additional interests include musical theatre history, disability representation, trauma-informed teaching, and neurodivergent-affirming methodologies.

As an educator, Aaron has taught public speaking at the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, developed courses for non-music majors on musical theatre singing, and advised pre-health students at the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology. Former students are pursuing careers in performing arts or attending prestigious medical/dental/pharmacy schools.

A licensed social worker, Aaron integrates neurodivergent-affirming care into private therapy practice while maintaining a vibrant performance career, having worked with institutions like the Florida Opera Theater and Walt Disney World Resort.