Fabio Polanco

Fabio Polanco serves as Professor of Acting and Directing at Kent State University's School of Theatre and Dance within the College of the Arts, maintaining over two decades of active membership in Actor's Equity Association alongside significant scholarly recognition.

His academic foundation includes a B.A. from Temple University and an M.F.A. from Case Western Reserve University.

Research centers on acting methodology's intersection with psychology of optimal experience, evidenced by publications in Stanislavski Studies and Routledge. As a certified Michael Chekhov technique instructor, he bridges theoretical frameworks with practical performance training.

Notable honors include:

• Kent State University’s Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award (2018)
• Ashland University’s Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award (2013)
• Finalist for Northern Ohio Live! Magazine’s Award of Achievement in Theatre

Polanco founded and advises Latin/x in Theatre, Kent State's inaugural Latin/x student theatre organization. His extensive professional portfolio spans Broadway national tours (Les Miserables), regional theatre (Berkeley Repertory Theatre), film (An American Pickle), and television (The Ides of March), demonstrating sustained artistic engagement across performance mediums.

Directorial achievements encompass landmark productions including La Gringa, Intimate Apparel, Macbeth, and the Midwest premiere of Elizabeth Swados' Missionaries, reflecting diverse repertoire and commitment to theatrical innovation.