Faculty & Staff

Coordinator, BA Theatre Arts

Rachel E. Bauer, Ph.D. is a scholar, director, dramaturg, and performer, but first and foremost, she is an educator. She is Coordinator of the BA in Theatre Arts and Lecturer in Theatre Arts in the Department of Media & Performing Arts at Sacred Heart University. In her research and teaching, Rachel focuses on highlighting the transferable nature of theatre pedagogy and theatre education, focusing on the skills gained through theatre training that are useful both on the stage and across many disciplines. She hopes to continue to develop the interdisciplinary relationships between the Arts and STEM fields to advocate for a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, ARTS, and mathematics) approach to education and communication strategies. Her other research area focuses on gender and theatre, specifically looking at women’s experiences in theatre and theatre in higher education. She earned a Ph.D. ('18) and MA ('13) in Theatre from the University of Missouri, with minors in College Teaching and Women’s and Gender Studies, and BA's ('10) in English and Theatre, with a concentration in Acting and Directing, from Rowan University.

Production Manager

Designed and built sets at Sacred Heart University since 1994. Involved in Performing Arts for over 30 years as a technician, performer and a music teacher. Built sets for many Fairfield County theatres. Worked alongside the local Stagehand Union at many events over the years.

Choreographer

Trained by masters of dance such as Mr. Charles Kelley, Phil Black and Don Farnsworth. Trained at Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theatre. Recorded both lead and back up vocals for various artists, nationally and abroad. Worked as a choreographer and artist for RAI TV in Rome, Milan and Naples. Travelled the world as a singer and dancer for Costa & MSC Cruise Liners. Toured nationally with musicals such as “Smokey Joe’s Café” (Brenda), “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Mary Magdalene) and “Pippin” (Leading Player). Assistant Artistic Director at D’Valda & Sirico Dance and Music Centre in Fairfield, CT. Guest faculty presenter at Dance Teacher Web conferences in Las Vegas. Resident choreographer for several Sacred Heart University’s Theatre Arts Program productions.

Adjunct Professor

Professional Actor for over 20 years. Acting credits include: The Shakespeare Theatre Company: Othello. Ford’s Theatre: A Christmas Carol. Academy of Classical Acting at the Shakespeare Theatre and the George Washington University: The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Maid’s Tragedy. Hartford Stage Company: The Philadelphia Story. New York credits include Rattlestick Theatre, The Kraine Theatre, and Expanded Arts. MFA from The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting at GW University. Graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Niagara University. Director of productions of Twelfth Night and The Tempest at SHU. Instructor in SHU’s Theatre Arts Program.

Technical Director

Professional stagehand for over 25 years. Worked in all aspects of theatre in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Technical Director of the Edgerton Center since 1994.