Laura Hope

Laura Hope is an Associate Professor of Theater and Dance, Director of Theater, and Chair of the Theater & Dance department at Whitman College. She specializes in new play and musical development, directing, dramaturgy, and Irish theatre. Her work spans academic and professional theatre, including collaborations with institutions like the California Shakespeare Theatre and Golden Thread Productions.

Education:

• Ph.D. Performance Studies, University of California, Davis
• M.A. Drama, San Francisco State University
• B.F.A Acting, University of Colorado, Boulder

Research & Contributions: Hope has directed and dramaturged productions such as Virtuoso (commissioned by Poland’s Adam Mickiewicz Institute) and Caroline, or Change. She co-founded the Shee Theatre collective and led Loyola University New Orleans’ Theatre Arts and Dance department to three consecutive Big Easy Awards. Her work integrates community engagement, including founding initiatives like Golden Thread’s “What Do the Women Say?”

Awards & Recognition:

• Derby and Claire Gisclair Distinguished Professorship in Theatre
• Excellence in Community Engaged Teaching Award
• Recipient of Theatre Supporter of the Year from Southern Repertory Theatre

Professional Leadership: Served as Literary Manager at San Francisco’s Magic Theatre, Resident Dramaturg at California Shakespeare Theatre, and co-chair of Loyola’s Women’s Studies minor. Her career bridges academic teaching, new play development, and community-focused theatre initiatives.