Stan Brown

Stan Brown serves as the Inaugural W. Rockwell Wirtz Professor and Director of Graduate Studies for the MFA in Acting program at Northwestern University's School of Communication, Department of Theatre. His expertise spans acting techniques, voice training, improvisation, and entertainment industry practices.

Education:

• MFA in Acting, University of South Carolina (1989)

Professor Brown's research focuses on cultural impacts on voice and speech training for actors, informed by his collaboration with Cicely Berry of the Royal Shakespeare Company. His work integrates classical actor training with contemporary performance practices, emphasizing present moment awareness and dialect coaching. He explores cross-cultural applications of voice techniques in theatrical contexts.

Awards:

• Louisiana Film Prize (2015) for The Bespoke Tailoring of Mr. Bellamy
• Louisiana Film Prize Best Actor (2015)
• Academy Award Shortlist for The Bespoke Tailoring of Mr. Bellamy (2015)

As Director of Graduate Studies, Brown mentors MFA acting students in voice, speech, and acting techniques. His professional career spans over 30 years across American and British theatre, film, and television, including the 2022 musical Water for Elephants and keynote speaking at the 2022 VASTA conference. He maintains active industry connections through performance work while leading academic training.