معرفی
Rives B. Collins is a Professor in the Department of Theatre at Northwestern University's School of Communication, where he has taught for thirty-five years while holding the Charles Deering McCormick Professorship of Teaching Excellence. He serves as head of the Theatre for Young Audiences program and teaches storytelling applications across business, law, and medicine.
His educational credentials include:
- Phi Beta Kappa Graduate of Colorado College
- MFA in Child Drama from Arizona State University
Collins' research centers on Theatre for Young Audiences, Storytelling, and Drama in Education, with pioneering work in oral histories and literacy development. He investigates narrative techniques as cross-disciplinary communication tools, asserting storytelling as a critical leadership skill for 21st-century organizations through Kellogg School of Management engagements.
His scholarly output, epitomized by the seminal book "The Power of Story," demonstrates consistent focus on narrative pedagogy in creative drama and youth theatre, emphasizing practical applications beyond traditional academic boundaries.
Collins' award portfolio reflects exceptional contributions to theatre education:
- 2024 Campton Bell Lifetime Achievement Award (American Alliance for Theatre and Education)
- 2021 Induction into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre
- 2017 Oracle Award for Distinguished National Service (National Storytelling Network)
- 2017 Johnny Saldaña Outstanding Professor Award
As program head and mentor, Collins directs new play development projects including Kennedy Center world premieres while advancing international collaboration through ASSITEJ delegations. His leadership extends to shaping national standards in children's theatre education.
Collins drives field innovation as past president of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education and current board member of the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America, cultivating global networks that integrate performance, education, and community storytelling practices.
