Dr. Sarah Gabel is the Chairperson for the Department of Fine and Performing Arts.  She teaches a variety of acting and directing classes and serves are director or LUC Theatre's Senior Showcase. She has served on a several university committees including Academic Council for the College of Arts and Sciences, Faculty Council and the 2009-2014 Strategic Plan Steering Committee. She is a member of the International Council of Fine Arts Deans and the American Theatre Association for Higher Education. Dr. Gabel is on the Board of Directors of Sarah's Inn an organization dedication to freedom from domestic violence.

Dr. Gabel has a strong interest in musical theatre particularly the works of Stephen Sondheim. On the Loyola University Chicago Mullady stage, she has directed SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, ASSASSINS, INTO THE WOODS, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and WEST SIDE STORY. She has also directed MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Other Loyola production directed by Dr. Gabel include, ELECTRA, BABY, A CHORUS LINE, HEDDA GABLER, ANTIGONE  and THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE.Her recent professional directing credits include, THIRD, Apple Tree Theatre, BLEACH, 13Carat Productions, CLIMBING THE VOLCANO, Piccolo Theatre, THE FANTASTICKS, Organic Theatre, THE INFERNAL MACHINE, The Eclipse Theatre and several CHICAGO CHRISTMAS REVELS for Revels Incorporated. Dr. Gabel has an interest in the development of new plays. She has directed the world premieres of NOT EVEN THE CHILDREN (2000 ACTD Regional Finalist) written by alumnus Philip Dawkins, THE DEVIL IN DISPUTANTA, AMORPHOUS GEORGE (1986 ACTF Finalist), BULLY, AND AT THE PARADISE CLUB, Dr. Gabel will direct the Little Women: The Musical for Loyola scheduled to open in April 2010.