Amy Osatinski

Dr. Amy Osatinski is an Associate Professor of Theatre History and Head of the BA in Theatre Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Oklahoma City University (OCU). She holds a PhD in Theatre from the University of Colorado Boulder, an MA in Education from the University of Colorado Denver, and a BA in Theatre from the University of Denver. Her research focuses on contemporary theatre, musical theatre, and the intersections of digital media, popular culture, and performance. A triple threat as a teacher, artist, and scholar, she has directed over 30 productions including Spring Awakening, Cabaret, and RENT, and is an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. She also serves as an Artistic Consultant for Forgelight Theatre Works.

Her scholarly works include Disney Theatrical Productions: Producing Broadway Musicals the Disney Way (2019) and the upcoming 20 Seasons: Broadway Musicals of the 21st Century (2023). She regularly presents at national and international conferences and leads workshops on topics like theatrical intimacy direction and digital media in performance. Her directing work emphasizes creating brave spaces for performers, particularly in intimacy choreography through her training with Theatrical Intimacy Education.

Prior to OCU, she taught at the University of Northern Iowa and worked as an instructional designer for CUOnline. She also developed educational programs for Inspire Creative and led Heritage High School’s nationally acclaimed drama program. She currently oversees OCU’s Theatre Innovation & Entrepreneurship program, blending artistic practice with business acumen.