Jennifer Hunter

Jennifer Hunter serves as Professor and Director of Theater at the University of Northwestern since 2014, holding an MFA in Theatre Directing from Baylor University (2000) and a BMus from Southwest Baptist University.

Her academic foundation includes:

• BMus, Southwest Baptist University
• MFA in Theatre Directing, Baylor University (2000)

Dr. Hunter specializes in theatrical storytelling through innovative directing techniques, play adaptation, and the integration of movement with design elements. Her research manifests in historically grounded productions like The Night Witches (documenting WWII Russian women pilots), alongside contemporary adaptations of Alice in Wonderland and Romeo and Juliet, emphasizing ensemble development and narrative authenticity.

Her award-winning body of work demonstrates consistent excellence in theatrical scholarship:

• Lincoln Center Directors Lab (2009), Directors Lab North (2011), and Juilliard Directing Fellow (2012)
• Multiple 2024 Kennedy Center awards for The Night Witches including Outstanding Direction and Production
• 2019-2023 Kennedy Center recognitions for Alice in Wonderland and Romeo and Juliet
• University of Northwestern Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship (2023)

Dr. Hunter leads the UNW Theatre program to national prominence through rigorous creative scholarship, with The Night Witches performing at the Kennedy Center in April 2025 and her directing methodology influencing regional theater education.