MC Theater celebrates 80 years

By Brittany Koritz
Courier Staff    

Theater is an area where the Monmouth College student body is very active and this year it is celebrating its 80th year.  

Bill Wallace, CATA professor, has been working in the theater department since 1979. 

With this being his 26th year, he said, “Theater has been a part of Monmouth College for a long time and it’s been fun watching it grow.”

Wallace’s most memorable experience at MC was the opening of Wells Theater in 1990, since the previous theater had a “temporary” gym built in 1902.

During his duration of time in the theater department, Wallace has seen it change in terms of numbers. 

In the past there were only two faculty members who would participate and about 50-60 students.

Now, there are three faculty members and about 125 students that participate each year with more shows performed.

Some recent productions have been “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Trojan Women” and “Vagina Monologues.”

In the future, Wallace stated, “We’re working on developing a theater education program for prospective teachers.” 

At this point in the year, he revealed there will not be any changes with the theater program.

“She Stoops to Conquer” is the next production, which will be held in Wells Theater. 

Performances will take place from November 3-6 and is direct-ed/designed by MC theater faculty member Doug Rankin. 

In addition, from February 23-26 the “Peer Gynt” will be performed and the season will end with “The Music Man” from April 6–9.

Season tickets are available until November 5 and include admission to all three productions.

Tickets are $10 for MC staff and students, $13 for senior citizens and other students and $16 for adults. 

To purchase season tickets, email Wallace at billw@monm.edu or call -2374.