Matt Omasta

Matt Omasta is Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre at Miami University, with prior affiliations at Utah State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Theatre from Arizona State University, an M.A. in Theatre Education from Emerson College, and a B.A. in Drama from Ithaca College. An award-winning educator and scholar, he specializes in community-engaged theatre and qualitative audience research.

His scholarship examines:

• Ethnographic performance as a tool for social dialogue
• Impact measurement in spectator studies
• Youth theatre pedagogy and playwriting
• Identity formation through applied drama

His creative portfolio includes 40+ productions amplifying underrepresented communities.

Recent publications explore theatre's societal impact, with recurring themes of:

• Audience reception analysis
• Ethnographic methodology
• Youth-centric narrative development
• Performance as identity exploration

Awards & Recognition:

• Johnny Saldaña Outstanding Professor of Theatre Education (AATE)
• Founders Award (Educational Theatre Association)
• Faculty Mentor of the Year (Utah State)
• University-wide Teacher of the Year (Utah State)

He mentors students in devising performances for communities (e.g., mental health advocates, LGBTQIA+ groups) and leads national theatre education initiatives.