Theatre and Performance Media

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

Student-directed play reimagines existentialist classic
Zoe Calhoun '26 directs 'No Exit'

The Department of Communication, Film, and Theatre delighted attendees with a one-night, sold-out performance of “No Exit," an existentialist play directed by senior communication and...

Posted on November 05, 2025 by Darlene Orozco B. '26

‘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

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

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

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

‘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

‘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

Eastern undergrads present research at liberal arts conference

Eastern represents at regional liberal arts conference

Fifteen Eastern Connecticut State University students made the long drive to Mahwah, NJ, on Oct. 27 to present their research on topics ranging from history to coding. The presentations at the...

Posted on November 07, 2023 by Marcus Grant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eastern receives National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant
University to read and celebrate ‘The Best We Could Do’

Eastern Connecticut State University is one of 61 organizations nationwide selected to receive a 2021-22 Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The grant of $20,000 —...

Posted on July 21, 2021

‘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

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

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

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

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