Rate My Professor Lisa Abbott

Lisa Abbott is a Professor of Theatre in the Department of Communication Arts at Georgia Southern University, where she joined the faculty in 2008. She holds a B.S. from Colorado State University (1988) and an M.F.A. from the University of Portland (1999). As Director of Theatre, Abbott teaches courses in directing, acting, playwriting, and theater management. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes challenging students through classroom instruction and practical stage experience, fostering innovative storytelling and professional development. Abbott is an active member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SDC) and has directed numerous student productions at Georgia Southern University, including 'As You Like It' (2025), 'The Revolutionists' (2025), 'The Country Wife' (2025), 'John Proctor is the Villain' (2025), 'Touch' (2020), a devised piece exploring physical intimacy during the COVID-19 pandemic, 'Do Not Open' (2016) performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a modern adaptation of 'Hamlet' (2014), 'Race' by David Mamet (2014), and 'The Birds' (2014). Other notable directions include 'Chicago,' 'Emilie,' and events like the 'Wham, Bam, Play Slam' (2012), where students created and performed a play in 24 hours.

Abbott has made significant contributions to regional and national theatre education through her leadership in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). With over 12 years of involvement, she served as Vice Chair for Region 4 for three years before her appointment as Regional Chair in July 2020, a position she held until April 2023. In this role, she coordinated logistics for 200-300 annual regional shows, managed finances, organized festivals, and represented the region on the national leadership committee. She advanced equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, supporting students, faculty, and artists of color. Region 4 encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her efforts have elevated Georgia Southern University's theatre program, earning national recognition and providing students opportunities for auditions, performances, portfolio reviews, and workshops.