Dr. Julie States

Where human behavior meets theatre.

Dr. Julie States is a licensed psychologist, ethicist, educator, and psychological dramaturge who works at the intersection of psychology and performance—where the inner world of the human mind meets the expressive language of the stage.

Over 30 years as a psychologist, she has had the privilege of working with people through many different life experiences. She is deeply grateful for the trust involved in being invited into the personal spaces of someone’s life. These relationships have shaped her understanding of human emotions, motivations, and the complexities behind our choices.

As an educator, Dr. States shares her experience and knowledge with undergraduate and graduate students, focusing on ethical decision-making, exploring values, and deepening self-awareness. She sees herself as both a professor and a learner, creating collaborative learning environments where curiosity, reflection, and different perspectives are welcome.

As a psychological dramaturge and performance analyst, she explores the emotional, cognitive, and relational foundations of character and story. Her clinical background brings a thoughtful lens to the rehearsal process: looking beyond what characters do to understand why they do it. Together with creative teams, she explores the motivations, defenses, attachments, and histories that shape behavior and give a scene its emotional life.

At the heart of her work is a love of theatre (thanks to her mother) as a living exploration of the human condition—a place where psychological insight and artistic expression can deepen our understanding of one another.

Outside of work, Julie loves being in nature—walking, hiking, and kayaking with her partner and their two adorable rescue pups. Her mother introduced her to theatre, and that love has stayed with her ever since. She enjoys musicals, plays, documentaries, puzzles, and a good cup of coffee.