Theatre

 

The George Fox University theatre department has done a variety of plays throughout the years. Each year, three productions are put on, one of the three generally include one musical. Works range from ancient Greek theatre to contemporary scripts. These productions bring students, faculty, and community members together and allow a learning experience as well as a night of entertainment. 

In addition to main-stage productions, there are student-directed works, evenings of improvisational theatre and performances by the University Players, George Fox’s touring theatre troupe. The touring theatre troupe, the University Players, is a 30-year tradition at George Fox that brings thought-provoking drama to schools, churches, and prisons.

Beginning in 1932, the theatre department began their initial productions performed by students during the May Day celebrations. Originally, the plays were put on by students, primarily the freshman class, although there were also student body plays as well. There have been numerous impactful plays that have been performed throughout the years. The production of Our Town, which was performed both in 1976 and also in 2018 was considered popular.  Wild Ginger, performed in 1935, was the most popular and attended play since the theatre department began in 1932. The theatre department frequently performs many Shakespeare plays such as The Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, and many more.

Over the years, the theatre department and its students have won numerous awards. Some of the many awards won are:

• Irene Ryan Acting Competition
• Student Directors and Choreographers Competition
• Meritorious Achievement in Stage Management
• Vectorworks Award for Design, Tech, and Management
• Kennedy Center Gold Medallion for Teaching (won by Professor Rhett Luedtke)
• Meritorious Achievement in Lighting Design and Dramaturgy