Stephen Skiles

Stephen Skiles is a Professor and Director of Theatre at Xavier University. He teaches courses in acting, directing, improvisation, script analysis, survey of dramatic literature and theatre history. During his time at Xavier, he has directed and multiple productions, including John Proctor is the Villain, Spring Awakening, Lizzie, The Last Five Years, Avenue Q, The Taming of the Shrew, RENT, Assassins, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Urinetown: The Musical, American Idiot, Chicago, Heathers the Musical, Next to Normal, Mr. Burns, a post-electric play and The Aliens. He also performed in Xavier's productions of Buried Child (directed by Ed Stern) and The Crucible (the first co-production with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company). This year he is directing Jesus Christ Superstar for Xavier's Family Weekend.

Skiles holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre from Hanover College and received his Master of Fine Arts in acting from Ohio University’s Professional Actor Training Program. He completed further study at the Royal Shakespeare Institute (in conjunction with the Royal Shakespeare Company). His teachers include Ed Stern, Barbara Redmond, Mark Monday, Laura Parrotti, Tom Evans and Charles Towers.

Prior to Xavier, Skiles served as the Chair of Theatre and Dance at Sinclair College and was assistant professor and holder of the Paul Daum Professorship at The University of Akron. He has also taught at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Prep Program and was the Drama Director at Anderson High School.

In addition to teaching, Skiles is a professional actor and director, working in regional theatres across the country including Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, The Ohio Shakespeare Festival, The Bang and the Clatter Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, The Cleveland Play House, The Phoenix Theatre, Monomoy Theatre and Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati. He was also a founding member and actor of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. He is an active member of Actors' Equity Association and an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. www.stephenskiles.com