Amy L. Sarno

Amy L. Sarno is an Associate Professor and Chair of Theatre at Beloit College, where she teaches courses such as Contemporary Theories of Performance and Media, Acting, and Devising. She holds a BS in Psychology from St. Andrews Presbyterian College, and both an MA and PhD in Theatre from the University of Oregon.

Her research focuses on social justice issues intersecting gender, race, and violence, with an emphasis on community-based performance. Notable projects include Imprints (a ghost story archive), Do You See What I’m Saying? (preserving Great Migration histories), and Plan B (an oral history of domestic violence). These projects are funded by institutions like the Mellon Foundation and Fulbright.

Sarno’s work bridges academic theory and practice, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Her teaching style challenges students to innovate creatively and critically. Current initiatives include The Forgiveness Project (on Chicago’s criminal justice system) and The Holidays Unwrapped (exploring family dysfunction through verbatim theatre).

Her grants and collaborations highlight ties to the Associated Colleges of the Midwest FaCE program, the Sanger Fund, and the Keefer Family Foundation. She directs projects at venues like the British Institute of Florence and Belgrade’s Dah Teatar.