Kelly Bremner

Professor Kelly Bremner is the Department Chair of the Theatre, Music and Dance Department at Emory & Henry College. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Theatre from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.A. from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Her work focuses on multidisciplinary performance, civic engagement, and Appalachian Theatre, advocating for rural theatre's significance.

• Education:
• Ph.D., M.A. Theatre – University of Wisconsin-Madison
• B.A. – Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Her research explores the intersection of performance with social issues, emphasizing community-driven theatre. Recent productions include Spring Awakening and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. She has received grants for innovative musical performances and directs workshops at the Chicago Lyric Opera’s Ryan Opera Center.

• Awards:
• State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s 2017 Outstanding Faculty Award
• Arts Alliance Achievement Award (2018)

Teaching emphasizes rural students’ engagement with live theatre, framed as vital community dialogue. She collaborates with Barter Theatre and other regional initiatives to develop new works addressing societal challenges.