Geoff Stephenson

Geoff Stephenson is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Theatre and Film at Bowling Green State University's College of Arts and Sciences, teaching courses including Musical Theatre History, Voice Class for Musical Theatre, and Introduction to Performance Studies. He contributes extensively to BGSU's academic and production activities while maintaining an active professional theater career.

His educational credentials include a Ph.D. in Theatre from Bowling Green State University, a Master's degree in Music Education from BGSU, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance from Kent State University.

Dr. Stephenson's research and professional focus centers on musical theatre pedagogy, vocal performance techniques, and historical analysis of theatrical forms. His industry experience—including a decade in professional musical theater and vocal coaching for the national Broadway tour of Billy Elliot: The Musical—informs his teaching methodology, emphasizing practical application alongside theoretical study. He specializes in bridging academic training with professional performance standards, particularly in high school and collegiate theater settings.

His professional recognition includes:

• Mark Twain Comedy Award, Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival (2001)

Dr. Stephenson actively mentors students through coursework and workshops, presenting regularly at Ohio Thespian conferences and Music Educators associations. He maintains significant industry engagement as a member of Actors Equity Association, directing productions for Ohio high schools (Otsego, Kettering-Fairmont) and conducting vocal performance workshops nationwide. His 20-season tenure (1992-2012) with the Huron Playhouse summer theater program encompassed acting, directing, and choreography roles, demonstrating sustained commitment to practical theater education.