Sean McCarther

Sean McCarther serves as Associate Professor and Interim Chair in Rider University's Department of Performing Arts, where he coordinates Musical Theatre Voice instruction while functioning as stage combat choreographer and intimacy consultant. His pedagogical scope spans classical, musical theatre, and popular voice techniques alongside voice science and performer movement training.

Dr. McCarther earned his Doctorate in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Indiana University with minors in music theory and movement/postural analysis, following a Master of Music emphasizing speech pathology from the same institution and a Bachelor of Music from Baylor University. His scholarly framework integrates vocal training with biomechanical analysis.

Research centers on voice pedagogy innovation through movement-based performance methodology, exploring performance psychology, motor learning applications, and emotion regulation in theatrical contexts. He pioneers consent-driven frameworks for creating psychologically safe rehearsal environments, particularly regarding staged violence and intimacy.

A certified advanced actor combatant through both the Society of American Fight Directors and Academy of Fight Directors Canada, he has choreographed productions including She Kills Monsters, Spring Awakening, Oklahoma, Polaroid Stories, and Hamlet. His Intimacy Directors and Coordinators certification informs safety protocols across Rider University's performance programs.