Denise Rae Gillman

Denise Rae Gillman is a Professor in the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance at Christopher Newport University. She specializes in directing, dramatic literature, and interdisciplinary courses combining theater and science. Gillman founded the Science Play Digital Database and leads the Science on the Stage initiative.

• MFA in Directing, California Institute of the Arts
• BFA in Theatre (Acting), West Virginia University

Her research bridges theater and science, focusing on science-themed plays, women in STEM narratives, and interdisciplinary education. She explores historical scientific figures through dramaturgy and creates immersive educational experiences.

Recent publications include works on science-themed theater, ethics in science narratives, and database curation. Her artistic accomplishments feature directing plays like Photograph 51 and Duchess of Malfi, emphasizing science and historical figures.

• 2014 ATHE/Kennedy Center Prize for Teaching Innovation
• 2019 Faculty Excellence Award in Interdisciplinarity
• 2019 Class 2013 Faculty Development Award
• 2019 CUR Arts and Humanities Mentor Award finalist

Gillman has received multiple Faculty Development Grants and led the Art(S)cience Festival initiatives. She mentors undergraduate researchers and integrates science themes into theater pedagogy.

She contributes to science play festivals and collaborates with institutions like the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center, Trible Library, and Mad Cow Theatre.