Chair's Statement

This season continues to bring a number of changes to the Department of Theatre and Cinema and our production program as we continue to move back towards more normal operations and we can fairly confidently say that COVID-19 and the pandemic are behind us. We are no longer under any COVID protocols which are affecting our production program –no more streaming, distancing or masking of our performers. However, masks (audience) are still optional for those who may be required/want to use them.

Though we are still in temporary facilities this year, with the majority of our productions still taking place in Bondurant Auditorium, we are seeing great progress on the Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity (ACAIC) and are eagerly awaiting our move into this state-of-art facility along with the rest of CVPA. The construction continues to move along on schedule and if all goes well, elements of the building may open as soon as the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester.

For now, here are several important notes that are related to this year’s production season:

· The majority of our productions will once again be produced and performed in the Bondurant Auditorium of Preston Hall.

· The Theatre Box Office will remain in Walker 240. Tickets can also be purchased online (through this website --Ticket Information | Department of Theatre and Cinema | Radford University) at any time prior to the performances as well as 30 minutes before showtime in the lobby of the theatre.

· The Department of Theatre and Cinema’s temporary department office is located in Room 245 of Walker Hall.

Despite the pandemic, we have continued to produce live theatre over the past three years and this will continue as we enter the 2023-24 season. In the 20-21 season we produced all of our productions virtually through various streaming technologies while in the 21-22 season we brought audiences back into the theatre for each of our productions …culminating with our production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE where even masks were no longer required. Last season we proceeded even further down the path to normalcy by once again bringing local elementary schools to campus for our Theatre for Young Audiences production of THE RAINBOW FISH MUSICAL Last year, we also reinstated our outreach program of bringing our touring production of the Porterfield Ensemble back to schools and other events throughout the region. Though we are still using various protocols in our rehearsals and performances for our performers and production staff, for all practical purposes the audience experience for our productions has now returned to normal. However, we will continue to keep the safety of our students and patrons foremost in our thoughts and if needed, will alter our production practices to align with whatever COVID protocols are required at any given time.

Once again, the faculty and I are fully committed to producing a full season of challenging plays along with a musical and show for young audiences. This season with all of its celestial themes promises to once again offer fantastic educational experiences for our students, as well as fun and unique entertainment for the campus and surrounding communities. We appreciate your continued support and thank you for bearing with us was we continue to move back to more normal operations.

Richard Dunham Chair/Artistic Director