Merri Biechler

Merri Biechler is Director of the School of Theater and Associate Professor of Instruction at Ohio University's College of Fine Arts. An acclaimed playwright and actor, she holds an MFA in playwriting from Ohio University and has earned grants and awards for integrating theater into healthcare education.

Her research focuses on:

• Playwriting & Performance: Award-winning plays like 'Tammy Faye’s Final Audition' and 'Occupation' addressing social narratives.
• Immersive Theater: Co-creation of 'The Healthy Village' to train healthcare students.
• Acting Methodology: Professional experience spanning Off-Broadway, film, and television.

She received significant honors including:

• Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award
• Two 'Best of Fringe' awards (Cincinnati and Washington DC)
• Princess Grace Award finalist for 'Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver'
• Jane Chambers Student Playwriting Award

Her $40,000-granted project 'The Healthy Village' pioneers theater-based medical training, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary innovation.