Beth Reeves

Beth Reeves serves as Adjunct Professor of Theatre Arts in the Department of Theatre & Film at the University of Mississippi, part of the College of Liberal Arts. She specializes in African-American theatre performance and socially responsible theatre, integrating arts into K-12 curricula to foster empathy and critical thinking. Her work emphasizes using theatre as a tool for social justice and community engagement.

Education:

• M.Ed. in Theatre Education, Columbus State University (2017)
• B.S. in Theatre, Columbus State University (2009)

Research & Practice: Reeves focuses on empowering marginalized communities through theatre, collaborating with organizations like Project Change Clubhouse and Boys and Girls Club of Chattahoochee Valley. She employs pedagogies like Theatre of the Oppressed and West African storytelling to address social issues such as substance abuse and cultural identity. Her directing work includes historic all-African American productions like Steel Magnolias and Look Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story.

Community Impact: She has developed arts-integrated programs with schools and nonprofits, including residencies at South Columbus Elementary School and Empowered Youth of Columbus, using theatre to teach history and resilience.