Ruthann Curry is a professional performer, director, and educator specializing in Acting, Shakespeare, Voice & Movement, Devising & Improvisation. She is an experienced teacher in all aspects of theatre with a strong focus in theatre arts training for youth. She holds a BA from the College of William and Mary, an MA in Performance from the University of Denver, graduate studies in Theatre for Youth at Arizona State University, and an MSE in Leadership from the University of Central Arkansas. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and has performed in film and television, on Broadway, in summer stock, and regional theatres.

Ruthann has been a Murphy-Foundation Guest Director at Hendrix College and a Guest Director for the UCA Theatre Department. She was awarded the “Outstanding Arts Educator” award from the City of Conway Alliance for the Arts for her 15 years as teacher and director of the Youth Theatre of Central Arkansas outreach program at UCA. Ruthann taught high school theatre arts full time for several years, and taught courses in Musical Theatre, Voice & Movement, Acting, and Improvisation at both Hendrix College and UCA.

Ms. Curry’s training and experience allows for diverse and focused work within the classroom no matter the grade or subject. Her unique ability to listen and connect with young people brings out the best in them. She is passionate about the significant role that Arts in Education plays in developing the holistic individual, and is a strong advocate for and practitioner of Arts Integration across the curriculum for all age groups. Her focus on connecting the arts to state standards led her to teaching artist residencies in classrooms of all ages, integrating and connecting theatre arts to other studies.

Ruthann also leads Professional Development workshops for teachers and instructors across the curricula, exploring the use of acting exercises, theatre games, and stage directing skills in order to supplement regular classroom teaching tools. These workshops help educators to teach their students clear and effective communication patterns, solid and active listening skills, the ability to handle stress and tension, and the opportunity for self-expression and creative problem-solving.