As a Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre at Oakland University, Kelli Crump brings a deep commitment to empowering others through her insights into theatre arts and performance. Her academic journey is built upon a strong foundation, holding a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the esteemed National Theatre Conservatory and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. This robust educational background is beautifully complemented by her rich, hands-on experience in the professional theatre world.
Kelli has spent time collaborating with some wonderful theatre organizations, including the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Magic Theatre. During these experiences, she not only honed her craft but also contributed to many well-regarded productions. Her work on stage is quite varied, featuring memorable roles in classic and contemporary plays alike, such as "Hair," "Doubt," and "Tartuffe." These real-world performance moments significantly enrich her teaching, allowing her to share practical, lived knowledge with her students.
Beyond the stage lights, Kelli has also made her mark in the world of film and television. She has appeared in productions like HBO's "LOOKING" and the film "Being Flynn." This ability to move smoothly between different storytelling mediums highlights her versatility as an actress, a valuable skill she enjoys passing along to those she teaches.
Recognized for her contributions as an award-winning theatre artist, Kelli Crump is genuinely dedicated to using her artistic voice to encourage cultural and social awareness. She holds a strong belief in theatre's incredible power to challenge existing norms and inspire meaningful change, a philosophy that is woven into both her teaching methods and her creative projects.
In her role at Oakland University, Kelli is focused on guiding and nurturing the emerging generation of theatre artists. She encourages them to thoughtfully explore how art, culture, and society intersect. Her genuine passion for both theatre and education shines through in her lively teaching approach and her commitment to cultivating a learning space that feels welcoming and truly engaging for everyone.
Ultimately, through all her endeavors, Kelli Crump continues to be a source of inspiration for both her students and the audiences she reaches. She is a strong advocate for theatre's vital role as a way to spark conversation and foster understanding in our increasingly diverse world.
Oakland University's Department of Theatre in Rochester Hills, Michigan offers comprehensive training for aspiring theatre artists within a supportive and professional environment. As part of the School of Music Theatre and Dance the department provides Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees plus a minor. The BFA features specialized concentrations in Performance Design and Technology and Musical Theatre preparing students for professional careers through an objective-based curriculum. Students gain practical experience in dedicated performance spaces and benefit from the unique presence of Meadow Brook Theatre a professional regional company on campus. Faculty are experienced professionals dedicated to cultivating creative collaborative and knowledgeable artists ready for the multidisciplinary demands of the industry. The program is accredited by NAST and focuses on career readiness and community engagement.
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Oakland University is one of the eight research universities in the State of Michigan and is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity." The university offers 132 bachelor's degree programs and 138 professional graduate certificate, master's degree, and doctoral degree programs, including those offered by the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. It had a total enrollment of more than 20,000 students in 2016.
