Roanna Mitchell

Dr Roanna Mitchell is a Lecturer in Drama and Theatre at the University of Kent, serving as Programme Lead for the MA Physical Acting. She co-directs The Chekhov Collective UK, a practice-research centre exploring Michael Chekhov's technique, and leads the 'Inappropriate' Anger project addressing mental health support through creative tools. Her work bridges theory/practice in psychophysical training, body politics, and feminist performance. She also serves as Associate Editor for Training Grounds in Theatre Dance and Performance Training journal.

Research Interests: Psychophysical performer training intersections, performance-mental health connections, body politics in art/business/self interfaces, feminist contributions to theatre canon, and body activism's impact on performance. Current projects include developing the MACRO Map evaluation tool and collaborations with Medway Council and Porchlight for mental health initiatives.

Key Collaborations: Co-founded Endangered Bodies global initiative with AnyBody UK, artistic collaborations with Richard Schechner and Platform 7, and leadership roles in Michael Chekhov Europe networks. Her 2014 TEDx talk on body image struggles highlights her advocacy work.

Teaching & Supervision: Leads MA Physical Acting and teaches physical theatre, ensemble performance, and body politics. Supervises postgraduate research in performer training applications, social health contexts, and body politics. Curriculum development informed by her MACRO Map tool and clinical performance training research.

Grants & Projects: Shaped Shape Your Culture project (Rosa UK funding), New Pathways multi-institutional research, and Marlowe Theatre's Shakespeare Nation evaluation work. Active in community-engaged projects like Margate Wellbeing College collaborations.