Thom Penn

Thom Penn is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre at Coastal Carolina University's College of Humanities. With over 30 years of professional acting experience and 20+ years in directing, he specializes in performance, stage combat, and theatrical intimacy coordination.

• Education: M.F.A. in Acting (Southern Methodist University), B.A. in Theatre (University of South Carolina)
• Professional Affiliations: Society of American Fight Directors certified actor-combatant, Actors' Equity Association member, founding member of Atlantic Stage (Artistic Director 2009-2020)
• Recent Credits: Acting in A Christmas Carol, Rabbit Hole, and The Complete History of America (abridged); directed Almost, Maine, God of Carnage, and multiple world premiere productions
• Teaching: Special Topics in Film & Production Studies, emphasizing practical theatre skills and community enrichment through the arts

His research focuses on advancing stage combat certifications and theatrical intimacy coordination frameworks to enhance production safety and artistic quality.