Theatre

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

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

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

'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

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 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

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

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

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

CT Humanities funds Eastern documentary on tobacco farms and civil rights
‘Stepping Into the Shade,’ an untold story of Connecticut history

Eastern Connecticut State University has been awarded $35,000 by Connecticut Humanities to produce a documentary about Connecticut’s shade tobacco industry and its connection to the civil...

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

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

'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

Campus Briefs

Samantha Warshauer performs at Carnegie Hall; Eastern Theatre to present ‘The Place That Made You’; ‘Big Read’ program kicks off with ‘The Artist as Witness’;...

Posted on October 12, 2021

Eastern Theatre presents 'The Place That Made You'

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Theatre program is premiering its first production of the 2021-22 school year. “The Place That Made You,” written and directed by Eastern...

Posted on October 01, 2021 by Molly Boucher

‘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

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

Professor Williams encourages students to take charge of destiny

On April 14, DeRon Williams, professor of theatre at Eastern Connecticut State University, offered students advice on how to overcome obstacles while sharing some of his personal experiences....

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Campus Briefs

Students volunteer at mobile food pantry; Eastern to offer in-person graduation ceremony for Class of 2020; Theatre student Capri Agresta accepted into grad program on full-tuition waiver; and...

Posted on March 25, 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

Campus Briefs

Music faculty perform in faculty recital; Eastern Theatre to present ‘Blood at the Root’; Eastern dominates LEC's weekly awards in 4 sports; Mama receives fellowship to work on new...

Posted on March 10, 2021

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

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

Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, associate professor of English education at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Columbia professor encourages 'The Archaeology of Self' to end racism

It is rare to see a college professor begin a lecture with a moment of silence, but that is how Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, associate professor of English education at Teachers College, Columbia...

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

A strong showing for Eastern at Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival

Eastern Connecticut State University’s theatre students and faculty recently attended a virtual version of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), where they presented...

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Campus Briefs

Students produce professional films for local nonprofits; Teresa Balough edits book on Australian folk musician; Cara Bergstrom-Lynch runs in honor of Alyssiah Wiley and domestic violence...

Posted on December 07, 2020

Students make professional films for local nonprofits

Eastern Connecticut State University students in filmmaking professor Brian Day’s course “Producing for Clients” made professional films for Willimantic-based nonprofit...

Posted on December 06, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Cover of the Netflix documentary "13th" directed by Ava DuVernay

Eastern faculty stay connected through weekly film club

After Covid-19 ended all in-person classes for the 2020 spring semester, Eastern Connecticut State University faculty members created a film club to watch and discuss films suggested by one...

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Bobbi Brown

Students Put Film to Poetry in Interclass Collaboration

Undergraduate filmmakers and poets at Eastern Connecticut State University have teamed up for an interdisciplinary collaboration that combines video and poetry. Students from the course...

Posted on May 06, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Bishakh Som Explores Gender, Sexuality, Memory and Urbanism

New York-based artist and writer Bishakh Som visited Eastern Connecticut State University on March 5 to read from her upcoming comic book “Apsara Engine,” which is set to go on sale on...

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Vania Galicia

‘The Brothers Size,’ a Louisiana Tale of Family and Freedom

A heartfelt tale of two brothers navigating the murky waters of race and freedom is being performed at Eastern Connecticut State University through March 8. “The Brothers Size,” written...

Posted on March 05, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Theatre to Present 'The Brothers Size' by Academy Award-Winning Writer

Eastern Connecticut State University's Performing Arts Department is proud to present "The Brothers Size" by Tarell Alvin McCraney, co-creator of the Academy Award-winning film...

Posted on February 13, 2020 by Sheila RuJoub

Katelynn Scalia and SJ Reynolds presenting.

Students Recognized at Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

Students studying theater and new media studies at Eastern Connecticut State University attended the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) at Cape Cod Community College from...

Posted on February 13, 2020 by Molly Boucher

'Lulu' Entertains, Delivers Bold, Urgent Message

“Lulu,” a new experimental opera performed at Eastern Connecticut State University from Jan. 24-26, offered a provocative multi-media treatment of the timeless issue of mistreatment of...

Posted on January 30, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Theatre to Present 'Lulu,' Starring Hip-Hop Artist Maluca Mala

On Jan. 24-26, the Performing Arts Department at Eastern Connecticut State University, in collaboration with the New York City-based theater/opera company Ridge Theater, will present...

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

WUMALA dances at the 5x5 dance festival.

Eastern’s WUMALA Club Performs at 5x5 Dance Festival

Eastern Connecticut State University’s “WUMALA” dance group performed at the University of Saint Joseph’s 5x5 Dance Festival on Nov. 2. The dance festival was created to...

Posted on November 05, 2019 by Vania Galicia

Eastern Presents 'Convergence' Dance Concert

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Theatre Program showcased “Convergence” on Oct. 24-27 in the Proscenium Theatre as the first in this year’s dance concert series. With...

Posted on October 31, 2019 by Bobbi Brown

Jeff Calissi Describes Drumming and the Music of the American Revolution

Most Americans have spent time in class — going back to elementary school — learning about the Revolutionary War. But do you know of the role that the drum played in colonial times? ...

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Presents ‘Africa to America: A Celebration of Who We Are’

After a successful one-off performance in March 2019, the Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University presented three encore performances of “Africa to America: A Celebration of...

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Bobbi Brown

New Media Students Participate in Prague Quadrennial Festival

A group of Eastern students traveled to the Czech Republic from June 3–17 for the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space (PQ). The global field course titled “Theatre on...

Posted on June 27, 2019 by Vania Galicia and Michael Rouleau

Eastern Theatre Takes Spectators on a Journey ‘To Damascus’

Eastern Connecticut State University’s fine arts building was transformed into a performance venue at large as “To Damascus” brought spectators on a stage-hopping journey from...

Posted on May 07, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Theatre Takes Spectators on a Journey ‘To Damascus’

Eastern Connecticut State University’s fine arts building was transformed into a performance venue at large as “To Damascus” brought spectators on a stage-hopping journey from...

Posted on May 07, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Theatre Presents ‘The Wolves’ with All-Female Cast

The Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University presented “The Wolves” as its first production of the spring 2019 semester. Running from Feb. 27-March 3 in the DelMonte...

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Hanna Marcus, daughter of dres maker Sidonia Perlstein presents

Daughter of Historic Dress Maker Explains ‘Sidonia’s Thread’ Exhibition

Author and social worker Hanna Pearlstein Marcus came to Eastern Connecticut State University on Feb. 13, to promote the exhibition “Sidonia’s Thread: Crafting a Life from Holocaust to...

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Bobbi Brown

‘Pluto’ Takes the Stage, Eastern Theatre Represents at KCACTF

Eastern’s rendition of “Pluto” took center stage at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) earlier this month. “Pluto” was one of only three...

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Graduates First Dance Student, Charliece Salters

A week before her final exams, senior Charliece Salters stood alone on stage in the Concert Hall of the Fine Arts Instructional Center. She cued up a mid-tempo R&B song and then performed a...

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Meghan Carden

‘Cabaret’ Swings Eastern Theatregoers back to Nazi Germany

The first theatrical production of the fall 2018 semester at Eastern Connecticut State University was “Cabaret,” the Tony Award-winning musical set on the eve of Nazi-controlled...

Posted on November 01, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Theatre Presents ‘Cabaret’ Musical

The Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will present the Tony Award-winning musical “Cabaret” from Oct. 18 to 29 in the Proscenium Theatre of the Fine Arts...

Posted on October 03, 2018 by Jolene Potter

Eastern Drama Society Presents ‘Coldcock Cafe’

The Drama Society at Eastern Connecticut State University will present its second-annual spring performance, “Coldcock Café,” on April 20 and 21 in the DelMonte Bernstein Studio...

Posted on April 17, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

‘Youth’ and ‘Chitra’ Awaken Eastern Theatregoers

Themes of youth, love and enlightenment were on display in Eastern Connecticut State University’s latest theatrical production, “Awakenings: ‘Youth’ by Thornton Wilder and...

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

The beginning of the Thread City Production.

Eastern Theatre Program Honored at Kennedy Center Theatre Festival

A number of creators and performers behind Eastern Connecticut State University’s recent theatre productions were awarded at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF)...

Posted on February 09, 2018 by Jolene Potter

‘Amahl, Night Visitors’ Visit Eastern

A talented cast of Eastern Connecticut State University students, alumni, faculty and staff recently performed in “Amahl and the Night Visitors” on Dec. 2 to celebrate the holiday...

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Jolene Potter

Eastern Presents ‘Little Women’

The theatre program at Eastern Connecticut State University presented the holiday classic “Little Women” from Nov. 28-Dec. 3. The play took place in the intimate venue of...

Posted on December 07, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

‘Thread City’ Dazzles Audiences with Unique Tale of Immigration

The ever-relevant topic of immigration was on dramatic display from Oct. 11-15 when Eastern Connecticut State University premiered “Thread City,” a unique performance that...

Posted on October 23, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

‘The Life of Dawson Radlaw’ at Eastern

The “Phoenix New Play Series” is an annual theatre program at Eastern Connecticut State University that takes a student-written work and adapts it into a student-directed, minimalist...

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Jordan Corey

2 Students Awarded Eastern Summer Fellowships

Eastern students Jolene Potter ’18 and Julie Leitao ’18 participated in Undergraduate Research/Creative Activity Fellowships this summer. Potter, a psychology major, prepared her...

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Receives Generous Davis Foundation Grant

The Davis Educational Foundation has awarded Eastern Connecticut State University a $200,000 grant to develop its “Critical Reading and Writing across the Disciplines” initiative. The...

Posted on July 18, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

'Cantilever' Showing at Eastern April 25-30

Cantilever, the final Main Stage production of the academic year at Eastern Connecticut State University, will be performed from April 25-30.

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

‘Earth Day, Every Day’ Tours Schools Statewide

A zany cast of characters performed by Eastern Connecticut State University alumni is amid an ambitious month-long tour for a children’s theatre production called “Earth Day, Every...

Posted on April 03, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

In this scene, Hamlet (Matthew Bessette ’19) learns from Horatio (Austin Washington ’20) that his father’s ghost has been spotted.

‘Hamlet’ for Kids, a Drama Society Production

The Drama Society at Eastern Connecticut State University presented a kid-friendly version of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” on March 25. Two performances of the children’s theatre...

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ Enlivens the Proscenium

“Two Gentlemen of Verona,” the second Main Stage production of the 2016-17 academic year, brought the Proscenium Theatre to life from Feb. 23 to March 5. Presented by Eastern’s...

Posted on March 09, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

“Two Gentlemen of Verona” Showing Feb. 23 to March 5

Two Gentlemen of Verona,” the second Main Stage production of the 2016-17 academic year, will be performed at Eastern Connecticut State University from Feb. 23 to March 5. Presented by...

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Pedro, The Great Pretender’ Opens New Proscenium Theatre

November 2016 will go down in history for Eastern’s Theatre Program, as its first Main Stage production in the new Proscenium Theatre premiered. “Cervantes’ Pedro, The Great...

Posted on November 28, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Faculty Create ‘Democracy at Work’

With the 2016 presidential election drawing near, politics have taken center stage at Eastern Connecticut State University. In order to generate student discussion around the election, Eastern...

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Jolene Potter

Eastern Cuts the Ribbon to Formally Open Fine Arts Center

On April 5, 2016, Elsa Núñez, president of Eastern Connecticut State University, led the formal opening of Eastern’s new Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) with an official...

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Edward Osborn

Eastern Takes Its 21st Bite of The Big Apple

ince 1994, Eastern Theatre students and faculty have come together at the end of the academic year to participate in intensive learning opportunities in New York City. This past May, 14 Theatre...

Posted on August 07, 2015 by Dwight Bachman

Johnsonville – An Eastern Multi-Media Production

Race, feminism, and body image were only a few of the themes portrayed in Eastern Connecticut State University’s production of the original multi-media production, “Johnsonville.”...

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Kathryn Shpak

Experimental Theatre Performance at Eastern

A group of experimental theatre students at Eastern Connecticut State University presented “Prime Numbers: The Greatest Hits” on Feb. 27 as a preview of the Theatre Department’s...

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Kelsey Tuller

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – An Eastern Theatrical Production

"When presented with the task of performing children’s theater, Alice is an obvious choice,” said Theatre Lecturer Lenore Grunko of Eastern Connecticut State University, who...

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Katryn Shpak

Students Attend Kennedy Center College Theater Festival

Twenty-four students from Eastern Connecticut State University attended the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) from Jan. 27-Feb. 1. These students participated in theatre...

Posted on February 06, 2015 by Kathryn Shpak