Dr. Shavonne Coleman

Biography

Shavonne Coleman is an applied theatre artist, fabulist, director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator whose work centers on community-engaged storytelling. Detroit-born and rooted, Shavonne maintains deep artistic and professional ties to the city, continuing to collaborate with youth, professional artists, and institutions working locally and nationally. As an equity actor, Shavonne’s recent performance work includes a role in 'Lulu' in 'Riverside Crazy' at the Detroit Repertory Theatre. At the University of Michigan, Shavonne teaches and conducts research with a focus on Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), applied theatre, devised performance, and transformative learning. Their work emphasizes collaborative processes and liberatory pedagogy, positioning theatre as a tool for social change, particularly for young people from historically marginalized communities. Shavonne holds a BA in Theatre from Grand Valley State University and an MFA in Applied Drama/Theatre for Young Audiences from Eastern Michigan University. They have performed and directed numerous youth and community-centered productions and have previously served as the Director of Theatre Dialogue and Assistant Director of Transformative Learning at the University of Texas, where they led interpersonal violence prevention ensembles using Forum Theatre methodologies. Their work has been recognized nationally, including receiving the Ann K. Flagg Multicultural Award from the American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE). Shavonne's ongoing research and creative practice encompass projects like 'Uncovering Hidden Erased Histories' and 'Joy Pain: It’s Like Sunshine Rain', which examine theatre practices and performance methodologies that challenge and expand the theatrical canon.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards