TEACHING
In the classroom and the rehearsal hall, I strive to stimulate discussion, thought, and participation in ways that extend beyond the boundaries of an institutional learning environment and lead to the development of culturally engaged scholars and citizens. I believe in the importance of welcoming, inclusive, and rigorous spaces for collaboration, interaction, and communication to enable students to do their best work. When I reflect on “success” in my teaching, I look for evidence of a new perspective on the world, past and present; student engagement with the world beyond the classroom; my own personal connection with students, learning their interests, backgrounds, and needs to deepen their engagement; and assignments structured in a meaningful and challenging way. I encourage students to bring their unique backgrounds and passions to the table so that they may contribute to a rich discussion concerning theater and the societies in which it is created.
I challenge my students' perceptions of the arts through cultural and personal contextualization. Experiences through direct encounters with historical objects and eye-witnesses (when available) are powerful tools for challenging students to connect with the material I teach.
Selected Courses Taught
Connecticut College
Associate Professor, Department of Theater (2019–present)
Assistant Professor, Department of Theater (2013–2019)
Theater and Culture I: Rise from Ritual
Theater and Culture II: The Modern Mind
Practical Dramaturgy
Performing Difference in the American Musical
Theater of the AIDS Epidemic
Performing Public Health
Theater for Young Audiences
Art of Theater
The award is presented annually to a Connecticut College faculty member who embodies Professor Mulvey's legendary commitment to engaging students intellectually and teaching them to love learning. It recognizes an assistant professor who regularly offers classes that challenge students to work harder than they thought they could and to reach unanticipated levels of academic achievement.
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Assistant Professor, Department of Theatre and Dance (2009–2013)
Introduction to Theatre
Theatre History I
Theatre History II
LGBT Theatre
Women’s Theatre
Black Theatre
Theatre in the United States
Children’s Drama
The AIDS Epidemic in Theatre and Film
Engineering Student Council Award, College of Engineering, Cal Poly
Cal Poly’s Engineering Student Council annual Outstanding Faculty Awards are based on the results of a college-wide student survey. Virginia Anderson, professor of theater and dance, was named Outstanding Professor in the College of Liberal Arts. The award recognizes Anderson’s ability to engage students in majors outside of the College of Liberal Arts. “Her extreme enthusiasm for theater and complete joy that she exudes while teaching is contagious,” said one of her former students. “You leave her class feeling moved, inspired, and invigorated.”
