Patricia Raun

Bio

Patricia Raun is a noted teacher, actor, and arts leader. Currently Director of the Center for Communicating Science at Virginia Tech, and Professor of Theatre in the School of Performing Arts; Raun served as Director of the School of Performing Arts 2002-2016 and has since shifted her focus to using the powerful tools of the arts to help scientists, engineers, health professionals, and others develop stronger skills of communication and connection. Her research focuses on empathy development, roleplay, and collaborative problem solving. She has served on the boards of many national and international organizations and as an accrediting site visitor for the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Raun received her Master of Fine Arts from Penn State, and her credentials include a professional internship with the American Repertory Theatre, Harvard University; and work with the voice department of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Areas of Specialization

• Empathy development
• Values-based leadership
• Collaboration
• Applied theatre
• Improvisation
• Serious games