Dr. Alison Urban is a theatre scholar and practitioner with nearly two decades of experience in the San Diego educational and arts community. She holds a Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from UC San Diego, an M.A. in Drama from the University of Alberta, and a B.A. Honors in Drama in Education and Community from the University of Windsor.

Her career in San Diego began at the San Diego Zoo, where she engaged visitors as an Educator Guide, blending her expertise in theatre with environmental conservation. Her career trajectory has included roles as a Teaching Artist, an Arts Administrator at La Jolla Playhouse, and, more recently, a programs manager at Arts Education Connection San Diego.

Alison currently lectures at the San Diego State University School of Teacher Education, specializing in theatre methodology and applied arts integration within non-traditional learning environments. Throughout her career, Alison has consistently focused on creating spaces where traditionally underrepresented communities can use theatre and drama to share their stories and experiences. She has a strong history of local engagement with justice-involved youth and has similarly worked with youth in Canada. Driven by a firm belief in the transformative power of applied theatre and drama, her work fosters understanding and inclusivity while encouraging social change.