Megan Westhoff

Dr. Megan Westhoff is an Assistant Professor and Director of Theatre in the Department of Communication at Pittsburg State University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. She joined the department in 2005 and has held various roles, including faculty advisor for Alpha Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honor Society. Her expertise spans directing, performance studies, theatre history, and technical production, with teaching emphases in these areas. Before academia, she worked in non-profit donor services, youth leadership program development, travel and tourism, and graphic design.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Communication (emphasis in theatre), Regent University, Virginia, U.S.A. (2020)
• M.A. in Communication (emphasis in theatre), Pittsburg State University, Kansas, U.S.A. (2004)
• B.A. in Communication (emphasis in theatre), Pittsburg State University, Kansas, U.S.A. (2002)

Research Interests: Dr. Westhoff focuses on improvisational theatre, masks in historical and contemporary performance, theatre as a 'third place' in communities, women in theatre history, popular culture dynamics, and communication strategies within social movements. Her work bridges academic inquiry with practical theatre applications, often exploring how performance intersects with societal and cultural contexts.

Awards:

• Outstanding Teacher (Seniors’ Choice) in the Department of Communication (2022)
• College of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award (2025)

Advising & Collaborations: She advises Alpha Psi Omega and has no mentioned grants. Her artistic specializations include properties design, mask fabrication, moulage, and directing, with notable productions such as Love/Sick, Dial M for Murder, and Silent Sky.

Labs/Teams: Engaged with Alpha Psi Omega and theatre production teams through her directing and design work.