Kevin Rich

Kevin Rich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he also serves as the Director of the Applied Shakespeare graduate certificate program. He holds a BA from Grinnell College and an MFA from Yale School of Drama. His research interests encompass Shakespeare's original practices, the intersection of Shakespeare and civic engagement, and the development of new works inspired by classical texts. Kevin has extensive experience as an actor and director, having worked with various regional theatre companies and Shakespeare festivals, including a five-season tenure as artistic director of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. His notable productions include original practices adaptations of Much Ado About Nothing and Hamlet, as well as innovative works like I Heart Juliet, a hip-hop adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. At CU Boulder, he teaches courses such as "William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: An Actor's Perspective" and "William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night: Comedy, Conflict, and Community," focusing on engaging students with Shakespeare's texts through performance. Kevin is also recognized for his commitment to civic engagement in theatre education, integrating community partnerships into his teaching and production work.