Biography and expertise
Aaron Brown is currently an Assistant Professor and Head of Musical Theatre at Texas State University. He holds an MFA in Directing from Baylor University and a BM in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University. Some of Aaron’s past directing credits include the world premiere of ShaWanna Rivon’s You’re Cordially Invited to Sit-In (Stages), Topdog/Underdog (4th Wall), Fairview (4th Wall), Sister Act (Texas State University), Houston for the Holidays (Stages), Shakespeare in Love, Airness, Detroit ’67, Once on this Island, Violet, Godspell (WaterTower), Crazy for You, Hamoncé: A Devised Piece, Black Magic: A Shakespeare Adaption, The Pavilion, and Hairspray. His assistant director credits include the world premiere production of Regina Taylor’s Bread (WaterTower Theatre), Ain’t Misbehavin (TUTS), and the regional premiere of Dear Jack, Dear Louise (A.D. Players). Aaron’s essay is published in Hamilton, History and Hip-Hop: Essays on an American Musical.
Education
Master's Degree
MFA in Directing
Baylor University, 2018
Bachelor's Degree
BM in Music Theatre
Oklahoma City University, 2009
Teaching Interests
Research Interests
Featured grants
- Brown, Aaron Matthew (Principal), Austin, Jasmine Terrell (Co-Principal). Casting for Change: Reconstructing Policies for Inclusive Musical Theatre Programs, Texas State Research Enhancement Program, Institutional (Higher Ed), $16000. (Submitted: October 2024, Funded: February 2025 - Present). Grant.
Featured scholarly/creative works
- Diamond Dazzle: Ride of Our Lives.
2026.
Performances:
- Diamond Dazzle. Dawson High School, Pearland, TX.
- Director, Cinderella. August 2025 - April 2026.
- Diamond Dazzle.
2025.
Performances:
- Diamond Dazzle. Dawson High School, Pearland, TX.
- Director, Topdog/Underdog.
November 2024 - March 2025.
Performances:
- February 14, 2025 - Present 4th Wall Theatre, Houston.
- (Peer) Reviewed by: D.L. Groover.
- (Peer) Reviewed by: Armando Urdiales.
- Director, Ranked!: A New Musical (Workshop).
March 22, 2025 - March 29, 2025.
Performances:
- New Musical Workshop. Live Oak Hall, San Marcos, TX.
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: Best Director-Topdog/Underdog (4th Wall Theatre), The Houston Press. August 2025
- Award / Honor Recipient: Best Play/Production-Topdog/Underdog (4th Wall Theatre), The Houston Press. August 2025
- Award / Honor Recipient: Best Actor(s)-Topdog/Underdog (4th Wall Theatre), The Houston Press. August 2025
- Award / Honor Nominee: Presidential Excellence Award Nominee for Scholarly/Creative, TXST School of Theatre, Dance, & Film. December 2025
- Award / Honor Nominee: BroadwayWorld Houston Awards - Best Direction Of A Musical, BroadwayWorld Houston. 2024
Featured service activities
- University Mentor
M.U.S.E. Student Organization
- Member
Musical Theatre Program Recruitment
- Chair
Musical Theatre Parent's Committee
- Member
Texas Theatre Adjudicators and Officials
- Adjudicator
Texas Theatre Adjudicators and Officials
- Vice President
Musical Theatre Educators Alliance (MTEA)