Raina Ames

Raina Ames is an Associate Professor and Director of Theatre Education in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of New Hampshire. She holds an MFA in Theatre Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University, an MS Ed in Gifted Education, and a BA in Theatre from Western Illinois University.

• Awards: 2025 NH Theatre Alliance Award, 2017 UNH Excellence in Teaching, 2015 Kennedy Center Gold Medallion
• Previous Roles: Director of Education at TheatreVirginia (LORT C theatre), 8 years as high school theatre/English teacher
• Artistic Work: Actor/director with credits including Steel Magnolias, Shrek the Musical, and Voices of Terezin; co-wrote The Boy Who Stood Still

Her research focuses on applied arts, youth theatre, and innovative teaching methods. She has directed over 20 productions emphasizing social impact, including the Kennedy Center award-winning Midwives. Published works include her textbook on theatre education and a chapter on arts-integrated teacher training.