Gail Shapiro

Gail Shapiro is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Theatre Department at the School of Communication, Northwestern University, with a career focused on actor training, theatrical pedagogy, and executive communication coaching.

Education:

• MFA Acting, Yale School of Drama
• BFA Acting, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

Her expertise spans classical and contemporary acting techniques including Shakespearean verse, Chekhovian analysis, tragedy, comedy, dialects, and audition preparation. She is developing a codified methodology to demystify actor-director rehearsal dynamics and serves as a certified Executive Presence Coach for diverse professional clients.

Scientific Awards:

• Numerous Dramalogue awards
• Numerous Garland awards
• 1998 Emerging Comic Actor, Natalie Schafer Award, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle

Professor Shapiro teaches Acting I: Principles of Characterization and Acting II: Analysis and Performance at Northwestern, while maintaining a private coaching practice for actors and professionals. Her prior teaching appointments include The School at Steppenwolf, Claremont Colleges, California State University San Bernardino, and University of Southern California.