Communication, Film and Theatre

Senior Zoe Calhoun rises through the ranks in theatre production
From tech staff to director

Crowds gasped, laughed, and reflected during a sold-out, one-night performance of Jean-Paul Sartre’s “No Exit” this past October. The existential classic, reimagined and directed...

Posted on November 19, 2025 by Kyle Berson '26

Kelly Pompa '24: From Eastern to Emmy
Resilience propels young alum's sports media career

Kelly Pompa ’24 was in her element: at work in the control room during NBC/Peacock's streaming broadcast of the 2024 Paris Olympics. This was her dream job, a moment she had worked...

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Savannah Striano '25

Tom Goodin '73 returns to study his passion: theatre

Tom Goodin ’73 likes to call himself one of the oldest students at Eastern. After graduating from Eastern more than five decades ago with a degree in education, Goodin is currently pursuing...

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Kyle Berson '26

Dark comedy ‘Wonder of the World’ delivers barrel of laughs

The Department of Communication, Film, and Theatre at Eastern Connecticut State University held showings of the dark comedy “Wonder of the World,” written by David Lindsay-Abaire and...

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Darlene Orozco '28

For Drouin sisters, road through Eastern leads to Ph.D.s

Erin (’16) and Renee (’15) Drouin have a close relationship as sisters — “above average closeness,” according to Erin. They also share the uncommon bond of both...

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

‘Summerhill’ challenges and entrances audiences
Student-directed play puts twist on generational trauma and identity

The Department of Communication, Film, and Theatre at Eastern Connecticut State University held a one-night sold out performance of “Summerhill,” an original play written and directed...

Posted on April 07, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig '26

2 professor-producers screen 'Stepping into the Shade' documentary

Two professors at Eastern Connecticut State University recently shared their documentary series detailing the culturally rich history of Connecticut tobacco farming. An on-campus screening of...

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

'Zoomers' delivers witty take on Gen-Z life
Play explores human connections in a disconnected world

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of Communication, Film and Theatre (CFT) presented the play “Zoomers,” written by Matthew Gasda and directed by CFT Professor...

Posted on March 05, 2025 by Darlene Orozco

Theatre program represents at Kennedy Center festival
Students, alumni and faculty assist in live productions, earn accolades

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of Communication, Film and Theatre (CFT) sent 16 students and two alumni to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF),...

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

‘Eurydice’ closes fall semester with modern twist on Greek myth

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of Communication, Film, and Theatre delighted audiences from Dec. 5-8 with “Eurydice," an adaptation from the...

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Students direct military-themed play, 'The Last American Jackrabbit'

On Nov. 1, Eastern Connecticut State University held two showings of “The Last American Jackrabbit,” an original play directed and written by students Xsyanni Jackson and Kane Waggoner....

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Kyle Berson

Eastern's dual enrollment grows 60 percent in one year
Program grows to 16 high schools and 730 students

Eastern Connecticut State University is expanding its dual enrollment program with Connecticut high schools, supported in part by a three-year, $178,000 grant from the Connecticut State Department...

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Edward Osborn

'Ocoee Project' remembers an American atrocity during voting season

The Department of Communication, Film, and Theatre at Eastern Connecticut State University brought history to life with “The Ocoee Project,” performed from Oct. 15-20 in the Fine Arts...

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

After 2 years in production, 'Stepping Into the Shade' screens at the Bushnell
Eastern-produced docuseries highlights Connecticut's tobacco history

The Bushnell Performing Arts Center held an exclusive screening of the docuseries “Stepping into the Shade” with June Archer and Eastern Professors Brian Day and Kristen Morgan on Sept....

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Kyle Berson

Eastern announces fall theatre schedule and ticket bundle

The Department of Communication, Film and Theatre at Eastern Connecticut State University released its fall 2024 performance list on Sept. 9, along with a bulk ticket deal for prospective...

Posted on September 12, 2024 by Kyle Berson

Student videographer creates Olympics ad for Eastern
Ryan Reid: "Hopefully it reaches who it needs to reach."

Eastern Connecticut State University may not have sent any student athletes to the 2024 Paris Olympics, but one student still found a way to spread the University’s message to viewers during...

Posted on August 12, 2024 by Noel Teter

Summer research institutes delve into literature, film and big data

Eastern Connecticut State University recently offered three one-week intensive courses to help students spark their academic and professional interests in the fields of English, film, theatre,...

Posted on June 04, 2024 by Noel Teter

Eastern inducts hundreds into honor societies in spring 2024

More than 20 academic programs and departments at Eastern Connecticut State University recognized student achievements this spring 2024 semester during honor society inductions and award ceremonies.

Posted on May 16, 2024

Alumni offer career advice to communication students
‘Dip your toes into anything you can’

A spring 2024 communication course at Eastern Connecticut State University offered perspectives from many alumni on how to advance professionally.

Posted on May 01, 2024 by Noel Teter

Theatre design students work on the big stage in Washington, D.C.

Three Eastern Connecticut State University students took their talents for technical design in stage productions to Washington, D.C., this April for the national Kennedy Center American College...

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Lucinda Weiss

Contemporary fairy tale 'Unfolding' captivates audiences

The Communication, Film and Theatre Department at Eastern Connecticut State University welcomed audiences to “Unfolding” on March 27 and 28. Local members of the community, students and...

Posted on April 04, 2024 by Marcus Grant

‘Opera for All’: Eastern partnerships bring opera to local children

Eastern Connecticut State University’s opera program has found new inspiration in bringing opera to audiences outside the University, including local children. The 2023-24 academic...

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Noel Teter

'Lights, camera, action!'
Behind the scenes of Eastern stage productions

Many have heard the phrase “lights, camera, action” regarding the performing arts, but few think about the action behind the lights and camera. Students, faculty and staff of the...

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Blithe Spirit conjures up macabre mischief

Eastern’s Department of Communication, Film and Theatre and its Drama Society hypnotized audiences with “Blithe Spirit,” which concluded its run of performances in early March.

Posted on March 06, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Bestselling author Jeff Benedict ’91 presents ‘The Dynasty’ to his alma mater
Benedict gives master class on storytelling

Jeff Benedict ‘91 visited Eastern Connecticut State University on March 5 to discuss “The Dynasty,” his nonfiction book-turned-television docuseries about the New England...

Posted on March 06, 2024 by Noel Teter

Eastern hosts film festival for high schoolers

Fourteen aspiring filmmakers from high schools around the state participated in the recent first-ever high school film festival organized by the Department of Communication, Film and Theatre at...

Posted on February 16, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

‘Blithe Spirit’ to kick off spring theatre season

The Communication, Film and Theatre Department and the Drama Society at Eastern Connecticut State University will present “Blithe Spirit” as their first stage production of the spring...

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Eastern Opera Theatre presents Sondheim tribute

Opera-theatre students and alumni of Eastern Connecticut State University will celebrate the career of iconic musical theatre composer Stephen Sondheim on Feb. 9 with a special one-night...

Posted on January 11, 2024

‘Carrie: The Musical’ disturbs and delights audiences

Theatregoers packed a makeshift high school gymnasium at Eastern Connecticut State University to see a musical take on a classic horror. Based on Stephen King’s 1974 novel, “Carrie: The...

Posted on December 06, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

‘Carrie: The Musical’ to bewitch audiences this November

“Carrie: The Musical” will present at Eastern Connecticut State University from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3. The musical is the second main stage production of Eastern's fall theatre season.

Posted on November 07, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Entertainment Industry Day connects students with media companies

In entertainment as much as in any industry, networking is vitally important. Eastern Connecticut State University’s Entertainment Industry Day, which took place Nov. 3, opened the lines of...

Posted on November 06, 2023 by Noel Teter

'Blood on a Cat’s Neck' takes audiences out of this world

“Blood on a Cat’s Neck,” Eastern's first theatre production of the fall 2023 semester, followed Phoebe Zeitgeist, an alien sent on an intergalactic mission to observe human...

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Eastern announces 2023-24 season of theatre and performance media

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of Communication, Film and Theatre has announced four upcoming productions for the 2023–24 academic year. Season ticket bundles are...

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Eastern documentary on Tulsa Race Massacre well received at film festivals

A documentary film directed by Eastern Connecticut State University’s theatre Professor Brian Day about the Tulsa race massacre of 1921 captured attention at several film festivals this past...

Posted on September 08, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

High school students get a taste of college life
Eastern hosts first Pre-College Summer

A group of high school students from Connecticut and beyond previewed college life in a one-week Pre-College Summer program at Eastern Connecticut State University in July.

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Students explore global theatre trends at Prague festival

Thirteen Eastern Connecticut State University students were introduced to theatre traditions and practices around the world by attending the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space in...

Posted on July 06, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

New College of Business brings together business majors
Communication, Film and Theatre also merge

Students majoring in business subjects will now be part of the College of Business at Eastern Connecticut State University. The move is part of a rebranding this past spring that includes the...

Posted on July 05, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Musical ‘spelling bee’ calls audience to the stage

Eastern’s Theatre & Performance Media Program debuted its final show and first musical of the 2022-23 school year during a two-week run this April. The former Broadway musical “The...

Posted on May 02, 2023 by Molly Boucher

Internships lend real-world experience in spring 2023

Nearly 100 Eastern Connecticut State University students completed internships in the spring 2023 semester. Students explored a variety of opportunities on and off campus that related to their...

Posted on May 01, 2023 by Molly Boucher

Eastern film 'Greenwood: A Dreamland Destroyed' screens at film festivals

A film about the Tulsa Race Massacre produced by faculty at Eastern Connecticut State University will screen April 22 at 11 a.m. at the Rhode Island Black Film Festival and April 26 at 9 p.m. at...

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Ed Osborn and Michael Rouleau

Revitalized recording studio nurtures Eastern's underground music scene

Senior Zachary Brace, a psychology major with a budding reputation in the music industry, has spent the academic year revitalizing Eastern's Student Recording Session Program. Known as...

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Jack Jones

Students explore opportunities at spring Career & Internship Fair

Eastern Connecticut State University gave students an opportunity to network and conduct pseudo-interviews with companies spanning multiple fields of concentration at the Career and Internship Fair...

Posted on April 05, 2023 by Jack Jones

Eastern theatre program presents ‘The Nether’ and faculty talk

Last week, Jennifer Haley’s 2012 play “The Nether” opened at Eastern Connecticut State University’s DelMonte Bernstein Studio Theater, directed by Kristen Morgan, professor...

Posted on March 07, 2023 by Noel Teter

Eastern senior takes directing and research skills to TheaterWorks, Hartford

A senior at Eastern Connecticut State University served as assistant director of a recent production at TheaterWorks, Hartford. Rebecca Ristow ’23, a theatre major with concentrations in...

Posted on March 07, 2023 by Noel Teter

Exhibit tells the story of a Holocaust survivor’s resilience and creativity

“Sidonia’s Thread – Crafting a Life from Holocaust to High Fashion” will be exhibited at the Mandell Jewish Community Center Jan. 2-Feb. 10, 2023, with an opening reception...

Posted on January 04, 2023 by by Lucinda Weiss

Perceptions shift quickly in ‘Acting is Believing’

The play/film "Acting is Believing," challenging audience perceptions as it was performed in two mediums, ranged from restoration comedy to contemporary improv in a campus production of...

Posted on December 06, 2022 by by Lucinda Weiss

New media studies alum shares experience from top film school

Eastern alumna Megan Campbell ‘21 returned to her alma mater on Nov. 14 to meet with undergraduates and discuss her experiences attending the nation’s top film school. Currently,...

Posted on November 18, 2022 by Jack Jones

'Acting is Believing' to immerse audiences in simultaneous theatre/film shows

Eastern Connecticut State University's Theatre & Performance Media Program will present its second main-stage production of the fall semester, "Acting is Believing," on Dec. 1-4....

Posted on November 18, 2022 by Molly Boucher

'Stepping into the Shade': A civil rights story about Connecticut tobacco farmers

A new documentary series about tobacco farm workers in Connecticut and their impact on civil rights is being produced by Eastern Theatre Professors Brian Day and Kristen Morgan. Hosted by...

Posted on November 07, 2022 by Noel Teter

Student artist displays her Mental health inspired work

Eastern hosts COPLAC’s Northeast research conference

Eastern hosted the Northeast Regional Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Conference of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) on Oct. 28-29. The conference...

Posted on November 07, 2022 by Jack Jones

Students meet entertainment industry professionals

Eastern students practiced their networking skills while displaying their employability at Entertainment Industry Day on Nov. 4. A variety of industry professionals, from film directors to theatre...

Posted on November 07, 2022 by Jack Jones

Ancient tragedy ‘Oedipus the King’ reimagined with modern twist

The Theatre and Performance Media program performed a current events-inspired version of Sophocles’ “Oedipus the King” from Oct. 11–16. Over seven performances, hundreds of...

Posted on October 24, 2022 by Jack Jones

Theatre: ‘Oedipus the King’ reimagined as Jan. 6- and pandemic-inspired true-crime podcast
Eastern opens fall theatre season with modernized ancient tragedy

The Theatre and Performance Media Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will kick off its fall theatre season with Sophocles’ “Oedipus the King” from Oct. 11–16 in...

Posted on September 29, 2022 by Noel Teter

Eastern’s Communication, Film and Theatre Department presents 'Oedipus the King'

The Communication, Film and Theatre Department at Eastern Connecticut State University is set to present “Oedipus the King,” a play written by Sophocles, translated by Brian Doerries,...

Posted on September 27, 2022 by Noel Teter

Eastern announces 2022-23 theatre season ‘The Awakening’

Eastern Connecticut State University has announced its fall 2022–spring 2023 theatre season with a series titled “The Awakening.” Reflecting changes in the entertainment industry...

Posted on September 13, 2022 by Noel Teter

Eastern students, faculty produce WPKN documentary: 'The Greatest Radio Station in the World'

A faculty-student team from Eastern Connecticut State University produced a documentary on the legendary Bridgeport-based radio station WPKN-FM (89.5 FM). Titled “The Greatest Radio Station...

Posted on July 19, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Students reflect on spring 2022 internships

Eastern Connecticut State University students participated in both on-campus and off-campus internships during the spring 2022 semester. Internship locations ranged from Eastern’s Office of...

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Jacob Blain and Bobbi Brown

Theatre collaboration 'The Greenwood Project' memorializes Tulsa Race Massacre

In remembrance of an oft-forgotten historical atrocity, the Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University presented “The Greenwood Project: Against Erasure” from April 28-May...

Posted on May 04, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Campus Briefs
Miss Little Poland | STEM Gap | Sunrise CT

Student Olivia Wronka crowned Miss Little Poland; Eastern shrinks the STEM gap; Sunrise CT calls for students to be climate activists; CSCU president visits campus; Social work students partner...

Posted on April 20, 2022

Eastern to present ‘The Greenwood Project’ in remembrance of Tulsa race massacre
Live production features dance, film, poetry

The Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will present a live performance of dance, film and poetry in its final main stage production of the spring semester on April 28-May 1 in...

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Molly Boucher

8 Eastern students present at National Conference for Undergraduate Research

Eight Eastern Connecticut State University students are presenting their research virtually at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR) from April 4-8. Hosted annually by the...

Posted on April 06, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Student's research grant funds tobacco history documentary project

Eastern Connecticut State University sophomore Eugene Bertrand was awarded an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Project Grant by Eastern’s Provost and Undergraduate Research...

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern to present Humperdinck’s ‘Hansel and Gretel’

The opera studio at Eastern Connecticut State University will present Engelbert Humperdinck’s classic fairytale opera “Hansel and Gretel” on April 1–3 in the Fine Arts...

Posted on March 08, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Shot taken from Eastern's production of "Sweet Flag."

'Sweet Flag' takes theatregoers to the Nebraska frontier

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Theatre Program opened the spring 2022 semester with “Sweet Flag” from March 1-6. Written and directed by Theatre Professor J.J. Cobb, the...

Posted on March 04, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Theatre: ‘Sweet Flag’ opens spring with a story in the western frontier

“Sweet Flag” will open Eastern Connecticut State University’s spring theatre season from March 1–6 in the Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) Proscenium Theater. Written...

Posted on February 14, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Art Gallery celebrates Eastern theatre in 'Capturing the Ephemeral'

Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University hosted an opening reception on Jan. 27 for the first exhibition of the spring semester. Titled “Capturing the Ephemeral: Theatre and...

Posted on February 07, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern co-founds North Star Collective to benefit faculty of color
Inaugural fellowship selects Professors Williams and Logan

Eastern Connecticut State University is one of 13 founding institutions of a new reparative justice effort by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE). The North Star Collective comprises...

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Art Gallery: 'Capturing the Ephemeral' opens spring 2022 semester

The Eastern Connecticut State University Art Gallery is kicking off the spring 2022 semester with a new exhibition, “Capturing the Ephemeral: Celebrating Theatre & Performance Media at...

Posted on January 21, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Eastern to host first student film festival

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of Performing Arts will celebrate the creativity of its students at the first-ever Eastern Film Festival on Dec. 3 and 4. Films will be...

Posted on November 17, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Campus Briefs
5x5, Folktales, Halloween

Eastern dancers perform at annual 5x5 Dance Festival; Prospanica CT awards Walter Diaz for education leadership; Mama gives international presentation on folktales; DeVivo and Johnson speak on...

Posted on November 10, 2021

'The Place That Made You' opens fall theatre season

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Theatre Program held its first production of the fall semester on Oct. 19. Directed by Theatre Professor Darcy Parker Bruce, “The Place That Made...

Posted on October 21, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Electric Boat to Bristol Blues — Eastern students complete summer internships

Eastern Connecticut State University students gained real-world experience this summer working as interns at a variety of companies. From small businesses to major corporations, students worked in...

Posted on August 12, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Alumna Paulina Palomo ’21 selected for competitive TV Academy internship

Recent Eastern Connecticut State University graduate Paulina Palomo ’21 is one of 50 participants nationwide selected for a Television Academy Foundation Internship in 2021. The eight-week...

Posted on August 05, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

‘Cultivating Dignity’: Final theatre adaptation of year follows MLK’s summer in CT

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Theatre Department has premiered its final show of the 2020-21 school year. The performance, titled “Cultivating Dignity,” is a culmination...

Posted on May 06, 2021 by Molly Boucher

“Turn on the Light” by Karla Pacheco-Sahagun

21st CREATE conference available online
Virtual symposium showcases the best of student research and creativity

Eastern Connecticut State University’s 21st annual CREATE conference is being presented online for the second year in a row. CREATE stands for “Celebrating Research and Creative...

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Final theatre adaptation of year explores CT tobacco industry in time of MLK
‘Cultivating Dignity’ opens online on May 1

The Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will present “Cultivating Dignity,” its final show of the 2020-21 academic year, starting May 1. As with all of this...

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Campus Briefs

Music students featured in Honors Recital and Award Ceremony; History students present at Phi Alpha Theta regional conference; Eastern Opera Workshop performs ‘Dido and Aeneas’ via...

Posted on April 21, 2021

Campus Briefs

Modern Movement presents ‘A Natural Woman’ at 5x5 Dance Festival; 'Trans 101' workshop gives lesson on 'Transcending Sexpectations'; Softball: Warriors (14-0) vault...

Posted on April 08, 2021

Student-directed play ‘Blood at the Root’ probes Jena Six case

Eastern Connecticut State University's Theatre Program premiered its second production of the year, “Blood at the Root,” on March 19. The show, directed by students Austin...

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Eastern Theatre presents ‘Blood at the Root’
Open to public for virtual streaming

The Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University is proud to present “Blood at the Root,” a play by Dominique Morisseau. The performance will be available to stream virtually...

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Eastern communication alumni tell it like it is

In the age of social media and artificial intelligence, the need for competent and ethical communications professionals has never been greater. Many Eastern alumni are succeeding in the fields of...

Posted on March 01, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Theatre Program adapts 'Hotel Universe' to reflect modern times
First production of pandemic blends traditional theatre with film

The Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University recently presented its first theatrical production since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Hotel Universe,” a play written...

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Judy Dworin, founder of The Judy Dworin Performance Project (JDPP)