Dr. Amy Hughes

Biography

Amy E. Hughes is a Professor in the Department of Theatre and Drama at the University of Michigan. She is a theatre historian whose research focuses on performance in the nineteenth century United States. Her expertise encompasses material visual culture, disability studies, human-animal studies, digital humanities, and documentary editing. Hughes is deeply committed to anti-oppressive ideals and practices, which infuse her scholarship, teaching, leadership, and service. She serves as the Faculty Associate Director of the University of Michigan's ADVANCE program and co-chairs the STRIDE Committee. Hughes has authored several notable works. Her latest book, "Actor’s Tale: Theater, Culture, Everyday Life in Nineteenth-Century United States," explores how white theatre-makers embraced and perpetuated cultural myths such as the 'American Dream' and meritocracy, which continue to shape today's entertainment industry. She also authored "Spectacles of Reform: Theater Activism in Nineteenth-Century America," which examines how theatre producers and reformers used spectacle to promote and resist social change. Additionally, she co-edited a critical edition of the pre-Civil War diary of actor-playwright-manager Harry Watkins, which was published in partnership with students and colleagues. Hughes believes in the transformative power of collaboration to support students' intellectual and professional growth. Before joining the University of Michigan faculty in 2019, she taught for thirteen years at Brooklyn College, where she received multiple awards for excellence in teaching.

Research Interests

Experience