William Jenkins
Department Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance and Professor of Theatre
Biography
Bill Jenkins (he/him) is proud to be the Chair of Ball State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance where he serves as a Full Professor of musical theatre, directing, and acting. Since arriving at Ball State, he has directed numerous shows including 42nd Street, Stage Door, Damn Yankees, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, The Laramie Project (which was selected as the national alternate for the KC/ACTF competition), Baby, Noises Off, A Flea in Her Ear, Cabaret, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Doubt, and The Drowsy Chaperone and Shrek (both co-directed with faculty member Sutton Foster). Mr. Jenkins also annually directs Ball State's New York Showcase with NY casting director Rachel Hoffman and co-teaches the Senior Cabaret class with colleagues Johnna Tavianini, Michael Rafter, Sutton Foster, and Broadway veteran Megan McGinnis. The cabaret is featured annually at the nationally renowned Cabaret in downtown Indianapolis as well as Joe’s Pub in New York City.
Professor Jenkins is an active professional director who is a proud member of the Society of Director’s and Choreographers Union (SDC). His experiences include directing over 50 shows at venues such as Drury Lane Oakbrook, Noble Fool Theatricals, Famous Door Theatre Company, The Clarence Brown Theatre, Actor’s Theatre of Indiana, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, and The Nebraska Repertory Theatre among others.
In addition to his directorial credits, Professor Jenkins is the past president of the Mid-America Theatre Conference (MATC), is a proud recipient of the prestigious MATC Fellowes Award for Lifetime Achievement, was named Outstanding Administrator at Ball State in 2015, and recipient of the prestigious Benny Award as the Outstanding Alumnus from Ball State University in 2017. Most recently, he was named a finalist for the Arts Leadership Award as part of the Muncie Mayor’s Arts Awards.
Professor Jenkins received his MFA in directing from Illinois State University, and holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree from Ball State University in communication studies and acting. His greatest role is that of husband to his wife Sarah, father to his children Catherine Rose and Teddy Ryan, and dog daddy to the family Golden Retriever, Ruby.
Additional Information
Teaching Areas: Directing, Musical Theatre, Acting
Tenured faculty
Date of Hire: September 2000