Ryan T. Nelson

Ryan T. Nelson serves as Associate Professor of Instruction in the Theatre Department at Northwestern University's School of Communication, concurrently holding the position of Music Director for the Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts and Music Supervisor for the American Music Theatre Project (AMTP) and Waa-Mu Show.

His academic credentials include:

• Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from University of North Texas
• Master of Music in Conducting from University of North Texas
• Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Duquesne University

Nelson specializes in musical theatre direction and conducting, with professional expertise spanning music supervision, orchestration, and new work development. His career uniquely bridges academic instruction and Chicago's professional theatre scene, focusing on integrating pedagogical training with practical production experience through world premieres and established repertoire.

Recognition for his work includes:

• Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for music direction in A Chorus Line at Marriott Theatre
• Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for The Light in the Piazza

With over a decade of continuous service at Northwestern (previously as Assistant Professor in the Bienen School of Music), Nelson actively shapes student development through the Waa-Mu Show and Wirtz Center productions while maintaining significant external collaborations with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and Asolo Repertory Theatre.