Drew Davidson is a distinguished Associate Professor of Theatre at Shorter University, where he serves as the production coordinator, Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society (APO) faculty advisor, and Director of the Shorter Comedy Society. He is in his third season as the Artistic Director of the Rome Shakespeare Festival. With a career marked by innovative theatrical direction and a deep commitment to artistic education, Drew inspires students and audiences alike through his dynamic approach to theatre.
Drew’s recent work includes directing his original adaptation of The Real Merry Housewives of Windsor, a modern twist on Shakespeare’s classic that resonated deeply with contemporary audiences. At Shorter University, he and his students crafted an interactive re-telling of Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus, blending modern contexts with the play’s world and allowing audiences to influence Faustus’s fate via their phones—a project Drew plans to publish and potentially remount at a theatre festival.
As an educator, Drew’s teaching philosophy revolves around unlocking students’ natural joy and creativity, fostering both professional skills and a deep artistic understanding. He says, “It’s not about teaching students to act; it’s about freeing them to play.” His methods include a focus on memorization, diverse techniques, and personalized mentoring, with a supportive approach tailored to each student’s unique needs.
Outside academia, Drew freelances as a professional theatre director and actor. Most recently, he directed The 39 Steps at the Appalachian Center for the Arts. He also manages a private dialect studio, Dialects with Drew, where his clients have achieved notable successes on Broadway, in film, and in voiceover work. Last year, Drew became the chair of “Next Steps” with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, an initiative dedicated to helping students transition from college to professional careers.
Besides theatre, Drew’s interests include pickleball, chess, and trombone playing. His recent month-long adventure in Peru—hiking the Salkantay trail, exploring Machu Picchu, and immersing himself in the culture—renewed his adventurous spirit and reinforced his appreciation for the world’s diverse cultures.
Looking ahead, Drew is eager to begin rehearsals for Of Thee I Sing, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Gershwin musical, and to explore further training in Knight-Thompson vocal work, additional stage combat certifications, and the Luggering movement technique. He is also excited to return to TV, film, and voiceover work, setting an example for his students by pursuing diverse artistic opportunities.
Drew Davidson, MFA
Associate Professor of Theatre | Artistic Director, Rome Shakespeare Festival | Director, Shorter Comedy Society
Contact: [adavidson@shorter.edu] | [606-392-8323]