Charlie Mitchell

Dr. Charlie Mitchell is an Associate Professor of Theatre at the University of Florida's School of Theatre + Dance, specializing in playwriting, directing, and improvisation. He holds a BFA from Ithaca College and a PhD from the University of Colorado. His research focuses on Shakespearean dramaturgy, Baltimore theatre history, and the intersection of theatre with social issues. Mitchell is also a company member of Gainesville's Hippodrome Theatre, where he has directed multiple productions including *A Doll's House, Part 2* and *The Snow Queen*. His work extends to film, with awards for *Shakespeare, Thou Art Translated* and *Two Emilia's*. He co-edited *Zora Neale Hurston: Collected Plays* and authored *The Golden Age of Baltimore Theater: A History* (2024).

Education: BFA in Acting (Ithaca College), PhD in Theatre (University of Colorado). Professional Experience: Artistic Associate with Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, visiting professor at UNC Chapel Hill, production dramaturg for Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Teaching: Courses include Theatre Appreciation, Advanced Improvisation, and Comedy Practice.

Research interests include the application of theatre to social skills development for veterans through improvisation. His book *Shakespeare and Public Execution* examines execution tropes in Shakespeare's works. Mitchell’s plays and films blend historical narratives with modern themes, such as LGBTQ+ rights in *The Report*.

Awards highlight his contributions to both theatre and film: Best Feature at CKF Film Festival, Patron’s Choice by Sir Kenneth Branagh, and selections in international film festivals. He leads the Open Source Theatre Textbook Project to enhance educational accessibility.