Curtain goes up on new department of theatre

The newly independent Department of Theatre celebrated becoming its own department with an alumni banquet and a special performance of David Lindsay-Abaire's award-winning play, “Rabbit Hole.” Since its inception in 1960, the program has striven to maintain a reputation of excellence. “Every time I see a show in this department, I think they can't do any better, and then they do!” said President Jones. “I am looking forward to seeing the future of this new department.”

The first production by the new department was directed by Dr. Carrie Klypchak. The play highlights a wide gamut of human experience, full of witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud and tear-jerking moments. “I wanted to direct this play ever since it won the Pulitzer Prize in 2007,” said Klypchak. “It has been wonderful to see so much growth in these dedicated actors.” As the first full production as a new department, the play melds with the celebration of a new venture—the never-ending realm of possibility.

“We're all really excited,” said department head Michael Knight, Jr. “This will catapult us forward and help our department grow. We have solid acting and directing programs, an original playwriting program, and now a growing puppetry program. By becoming our own department, we can offer more emphases in our hands-on department and create new experiences for our students.”

The Department of Theatre offers a range of experiences, preparing students for a variety of careers in the theatrical field, as well as several scholarships and awards, including the recent John Hanners Acting Scholarship and the Jerry Biggs Perseverance in Theatre Award.