Aaron D. Anderson

Dr. Aaron D. Anderson is a Professor in the Department of Theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of the Arts. He holds affiliate faculty roles in the VCU Schools of Medicine and Business, making him one of few scholars globally with cross-disciplinary appointments. His expertise spans artistic expression, healthcare simulation, and business education. Dr. Anderson earned an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Culture from Northwestern University, an MFA in Theatre from the University of Hawai’i, and a Certificate in Executive Presence from Cornell University.

His professional roles include Faculty Lead for the Center for Arts Research, Founding Director of the Standardized Patient Program in the School of Medicine, and Coordinator of Presentation Training for VCU’s MBA programs. He has consulted for NASA, UNOS, Fortune 500 firms, and global aid organizations over 25 years across six continents.

Research interests focus on interdisciplinary innovation, blending theatre with healthcare and business. His work has been featured in media outlets like The Washington Post, NPR, and U.S. News & World Report. He is a certified Fight Director with the Society of American Fight Directors and teaches courses in Asian Theatre, Stage Combat, and Applied Theatre.

• Awards: National recognition for Excellence in Arts in Health Education
• Labs/Teams: Center for Arts Research, Standardized Patient Program (School of Medicine)
• Grants/Consulting: Extensive global consultancy with NASA, UNOS, Save the Children, and others