1980 - 1970 Theatrical Production History
1980 - 1970 Theatrical Production History
Embedded Files
1969 College of Fine Arts Student Protest
Most people are familiar with the 1989 student protest covered in Joshua Myers book, We Are Worth Fighting For, and the 1968 student protest at Howard University and their demands for the University too among other requests, institute a "Black" curriculum .
However, there were several smaller yet no less powerful protests that took place on campus throughout 1969 spurred on by the 1968 protest.
After a "failed" meeting with the college administration meeting on March 7, 1969, students in the College of Fine Arts joined other Howard University Schools and Colleges and waged a boycott that ended in a takeover of the Fine Arts building that lasted 5 days.
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 3-14-1969" (1969). The Hilltop: 1960-70. 194. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_196070/194
Scroll down to review the 1980 - 1970 repository of the Howard Players theatrical production
Spring 1978 - Students Evaluate College of Fine Arts
Below: Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 2-17-1978" (1978). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 205. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/205
Excerpt from 1979/80 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Thomas J. Flagg Dean
Pg. iv...The annual Fine Arts Festival is one of the means by which the College of Fine Arts is moving toward its goal of becoming "a national and international center for the arts of Black people." The second Arts Festival of the present administration was a complete triumph.
The success of the Festival was evident in the number of artists, performers, and managers who participated, the packed audiences in Cramton Auditorium, the excited response of faculty, staff and students throughout the University, the enthusiasm of the community, and the media coverage of various events.
The scope of the second Festival exceeded the first by far, and the momentum is expected to continue. The Department of Drama contribution...
"The Me Nobody Knows" a production based on the book edited by Stephen N, Joseph, directed by Geoffrey Newman, with Napoleon reed as Music Director, and LaVerne H. Reed as choreographer March 14-23, 1980
1979/1980 - Henriette G. Edmonds, Chair, Department of Drama
1979/1980 - Henriette G. Edmonds, Chair, Department of Drama
Dean: Thomas J. Flagg, College of Fine Arts
Major: B. F. A. in Drama
Areas of Concentration & Coordinators: Acting (Sandra Bowie), Theatre Education and Dramatic Literature (Dr. Carole W. Singleton), Directing (Vera J. Katz), Technical Theatre (George Epting), Playwriting (Joseph A. Walker)
Staff: none listed in annual report
Faculty:
Professor – Theodore G. Cooper, Joseph A. Walker
Associate Professor – Kelsey Collie, Vera J. Katz, Dr. Carole W. Singleton, Henriette Edmonds, Dr. Geoffrey W. Newman
Assistant Professor – George Epting, Joe Selmon, Sandra Bowie
Lecturer – Thomas Freeman, Georgia Langhorne, LaVerne H. Reed
Howard Players President: Myria H. Stringer
Fall Semester 1979 (no season theme)
From 1979/1980 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Pgs. 17-18
ZOO STORY written by Edward Albee
Directed by Thomas A. Freeman
Date: Oct. 1979
HARANGUE written by Joseph A. Walker
Directed by Joseph A. Walker.
Date: Oct. 1979
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
JOURNEY compiled and directed by Vera J. Katz and Taquiena Boston (Experimental Production)
Date: Nov.
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
THE DOZENS written by Laird Koenig
Directed by Ted Cooper (entered in American College Theatre Festival)
Date: Nov. 1979
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
BLACK IMAGES/BLACK REFLECTIONS (Howard University Children's Theatre-HUCT production)
Date: 1979
Produced in Toured to the Kennedy Center and several cities
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 11-9-1979" (1979). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 250. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/250
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 10-19-1979" (1979). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 247. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/247
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 12-7-1979" (1979). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 253. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/253
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 10-5-1979" (1979). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 245. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/24
Excerpt from 1979/80 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Department of Drama section
Pg. 18...Friday Theatre, under the direction of Professor Vera J. Katz, which was introduced last year as a vehicle for student and faculty workshop productions, became a strong viable program in the department. Student playwrights and directors made maximum use of Friday Theatre. The number of presentations doubled this year. Three one act plays written by Ron Covington, ECHO, LIFE AND DEATH and CUPID'S WALL were performed during the fall semester. During the spring semsester, HOPSCOTCH by Israel Horowitz directed by Anton J. Perkins, was so outstanding, it was selected by the chairman to enter the play competition at the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts held at Hampton Institute, Hampton Virginia. This production won second prize and the leading actress, Robin Montague, won the prize for Best Actress.
pg. 22... NEEDS - We are in desperate need of an experimental theatre. we are severely limited in our ability to provide students and faculty with rehearsal and performance space. The lack of this kind of facility affects the quality of our productions as rehearsal time must be reduced because we have several productions in operation at the same time. pg. 23... It is imperative that our proposed graduate program is approved so that it can be implemented as soon as possible. Our department presently limited in both training and performance because we are not able to expand. Arts Management is becoming a very enterprising field. We are unable to expand in this direction because we do not have the staff to offer training in this area.
Pg. 25...PROJECTIONS - Because we have limitations regarding faculty, staff and space, our expansion is severely limited. This causes problems in the growth of our department which in turn, creates morale problems. However, the impending renovation of the theatre should alleviate many of our technical production problems. It then becomes necessary that we will also need additional production revenues to assure quality in the areas of costuming, publicity, etc. The faculty and students are totally committed to quality work. if and when the graduate program is instituted, we will then have the kind of leverage we need to have a comprehensive theatre program equal to that anywhere in the nation.
Spring Semester 1980 (no season theme)
Contribution to the annual Fine Arts Festival - The Me Nobody Knows
THE ME NOBODY KNOWS music by Gary W. Freidman. Lyrics by Will Holt (Musical)
Directed by Geoffrey Newman. Choreographed by LaVerne H. Reed
Date: Spring 1980
Produced in Env
HOW DO YOU DO written by Ed Billing (Student production)
Directed by Cedric Gilliam
IN THE REALM OF ME written by James Hall (Student writer and production)
Directed by Annette Kyer-Phillips
HOPSCOTCH written by Israel Horowitz
Directed by Anton J. Perkins
Submitted into play competition at the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts. The production won second prize and Robin Montague won the prize for Best Actress.
A SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW created by Michelle Colbert (Student production)
Directed by Keli Gregory
This was the first production of this kind to be presented in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Myriah Stringer (MiMia Moore) - Oral History Interview by Denise J. Hart (June 27, 2018) president of the Howard Players 1980, class of 1980
What was the Howard Players presence like during your years.
It was clear that the Howard Players were a force. I think it changed in 78/79 when the main students/people went to Europe and performed in Raisin and Sound of Soul. The student body was left with a sense of “well, what do we do.” So I stepped up and became president of the Howard Players. I did all of the PR for the shows.
We had dances and engaged with student council. We didn’t do a production because there wasn’t a lot of money for productions for the Howard Players. What we did mostly was outreach. We worked with Kelsey a lot with children’s theatre.
Did the faculty often perform in the productions?
During my four years no faculty performed on stage with students until my senior year. There was a big stir up from the students because Sandra Bowie got the lead and there was very little money for productions, which meant there were limited roles.
What do you recall about the production of Saturday Night Live in 1978?
Yes, I was there when they did Saturday Night Live (78/79) with Kent Jackman, Greg Poole and Melvin Andrews. They all were into comedy. The kids who would have probably been president , they were ostracized because of that situation and the other power players were in Europe.
Greg Poole was a major power player, but Saturday Night Live. It became Ted Cooper’s group versus Joe Walker’s group. Ted had a group of students who were behind him. Joe Walker had an Afro-centric group and there was a power struggle between the two of them. Joe and his students felt the department should have been more pro-black. Saturday Night Live also happened because Joe had written River Niger and won the Tony and there were a lot of students who felt that Joe was blackballed. That he should have been the head of the department.
When Saturday night Live was produced, that started the division in the department. The people who were with Joe (Walker) felt that Ted (Cooper) should not have shut down the show. The people on Joe (Walker's) side felt that Ted was infringing on their free speech and they wanted Ted ousted because of what he did. There was a real split in the department. You were either on Joe’s side or Ted’s side.
The year I became Howard Players president in 79/80 was because half of Joe and Ted’s people were in Europe. Joe still had people in his group but mostly freshman who were looking up to him.
The Saturday Night Live People were blacklisted. Kent Jackman was one of the people in Joe Walker's camp. Joe (Walker) said that Saturday Night Live was theatre and theatre was about freedom of speech.
For the production of Saturday Night Live I was in the audience and all of a sudden the lights went out and they (the audience) looked up at the lighting area and Ted (Cooper) is yelling from the light booth that the students needed to get the hell out of the theatre.
What is the relevance of a department of theatre that focuses on the Black and Diasporic experience?
This is a perfect example of the Ted versus Joe people. The Ted people wanted to do classics like Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams. The Joe people wanted to make everything black and African because it was a black college. It became a big divide after Saturday Night Live. Now we have an African American classic cannon of plays while in 1976 when I came to Howard we really didn't.
What should today’s student experience in a curriculum?
Students must learn more about marketing/branding and how to make themselves stand out. How to get a job. There should be some type of business class. I do want to mention that I live in Los Angeles and Chadwick (Boseman) was my neighbor for the last five years. We both agreed that was the thing that was missing in the department. How to get an agent. How to market yourself so you can get a job.
Who were the directors of the plays during your time in the department?
The one show I did on the main stage was called "Reflections of A Woman," it was directed by Geoffrey Newman. I also performed in Black Images/ Black Reflections written and directed by Kelsey E. Collie.
What did you do upon graduation?
Because I was not encouraged to be a performer while I was at HU I was pushed to be more business. I was very good at doing PR and the skills I acquired there helped me when I became my own publicist in the industry. I was doing BRANDING before that word even existed and it has helped me be successfully re-creating myself every ten years and I am blessed that it has helped me make a living in the entertainment industry ongoing for the last 35 years I have never worked outside of the industry. My Biggest strength is I always that I Believed in myself even when no one else did.
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 11-9-1979" (1979). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 250. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/25
1978/1979 - Henriette G. Edmonds, Interim Chair, Department of Drama
1978/1979 - Henriette G. Edmonds, Interim Chair, Department of Drama
Dean: Thomas J. Flagg, College of Fine Arts
Assistant Dean: Kelsey Collie
Major: B. F. A. in Drama
Areas of Concentration & Coordinators: Acting (Sandra Bowie), Theatre Education and Dramatic Literature (Dr. Carole W. Singleton), Directing (Vera J. Katz), Technical Theatre (George Epting), Playwriting (Joseph A. Walker)
Staff: none listed in annual report
Faculty:
Professor – Theodore G. Cooper, Joseph A. Walker
Associate Professor – Kelsey Collie, Vera J. Katz, Dr. Carole W. Singleton, Henriette Edmonds, Dr. Geoffrey W. Newman
Assistant Professor – George Epting, Joe Selmon, Sandra Bowie
Instructor – LaVerne H. Reed
Lecturer – Taquiena V. Boston, Pauline Fisher, Patricia L. Page
Howard Players President: Greg Poole
Excerpt from 1978/79 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Thomas J. Flagg Dean
Pg. 4...The Switzerland Project was a glorious achievement for the College. On December 21, 1978, the College of Fine Arts sent a group of forth-three (43) persons (primarily students and three faculty members of the Department of Drama and the Department of Music) to St. Gallen, Switzerland to participate in the European premier of the musical Raisin, and to present a new show, Sound of Soul (by Owen Dodson).
The Howard Group was in residence in St. Gallen from January 1, 1979 to April 2, 1979. This project, the most ambitious ever attempted by an college of the University, was a phenomenal success. All performances (total 45) were sold out, and reviews of the show were reportedly carried by approximately two-hundred (200) papers throughout Europe and Africa. The following is a summary of the extraordinary range of benefits that this project offered to the University:
The position of Howard University as a leader was enhanced by the project, which involved a number of "firsts," including first production of an American musical in English in Switzerland, and first production of a Black musical in Europe with the cooperation of a Black university.
- The project carried unlimited possibilities for future exchange programs with the State Theater and other institutions.
- The project exposed students to a new world of professional and cultural experiences.
- The project promoted faculty development.
Howard Players Reinstated
September 8, 1978, The Howard Players are "reinstated".
The organization was now an official chartered and separate entity of Howard's campus.
Pull quote from article:
"The Howard Players have made a tremendous contribution to theater not just for blacks but to theater as a whole. This group was not part of the academic program nor did it get the proper support or recognition needed from the University."
Excerpts from 1978/79 College of Fine Arts Annual Report
Pg. 21...The most dramatic results were implementation of the Fine Arts Festival, which could not have succeeded without interdepartmental communication and cooperation, and realization of the Switzerland Project, which represented a new level of interaction between the Department of Drama and the Department of Music. These events were major accomplishments for the College. A spirit of cooperation, understanding, and mutual support is being fostered in less dramatic ways, such as interdepartmental sharing of resources; reciprocal attendance ant various exhibitions, shows, and concerts; and interdisciplinary course, "Blacks in the Arts."
Pg. 25... The Department of Drama also made improvements in the areas of Technical Theatre through the introduction of a course that ensured better over all control and participation in productions. As a result, the functioning of various crews improved significantly. Friday Theatre was instituted this year by the Drama Department as a vehicle for student and faculty workshops and productions. Each Friday, a Theatre experience of some kind was presented; local and national artists and ensembles were featured. Staged play readings highlighted the Friday Theatre format.
Above: Collection, Channing Pollock, "”Mulatto”" (1978). Flyers . 12. https://dh.howard.edu/africana_flyers/12 To the Right: Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 11-17-1978" (1978). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 225. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/225
Above: Collection, Channing Pollock, "”Brother Brother Brother Mine”" (1978).
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 9-29-1978" (1978). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 218. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/218
Fall Semester 1978 (no season theme)
The department participated in the American College Theatre Festival, represented by LaTonya Welch in the National Irene Ryan Contest at the Kennedy Center
BROTHER, BROTHER, BROTHER MINE written by Kelsey E. Collie
Music and lyrics by Henri Edmonds. Choreography by LaVerne Reed
The play won first prize in the International Festival and Competition in Dundalk Ireland
Date: October 5-15, 1978
Produced in Dundalk Ireland
Directed by: Vera J. Katz
Lights & Set Design: Joe Selmon
Costume Design: St. Clair Christmas
MULATTO written by Langston Hughes
Directed by Carole W. Singleton
Date: Nov. 8-12, 15-19, 1978
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
SOUND OF SOUL written by Owen Dodson & Gary Keyes (a Musical Revue)
Adapted for stage by Geoffrey Newman and Sandra Bowie
Directed by Geoffrey W. Newman. Choreography John Michael Goring
Date: December 6-7, 1978
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
This production was in preparation for the 1979 European Tour
Cast: Rhonda Greene, Sandra Bowie, Winona Abayomi-Cole, Jamela, Timothy Harrell, John Michael Goring, Alfred L. Dove, M. Anji Robertson, Glen Washington, F. Dion Davis, Carole Alston, Pamela Martin, George V. Johnson, Carolyn Watson, Vanessa Reid, Eric Johnson, Stephen Scott, Joseph S. Harper, Scott Preston.
Musicians: Malcolm Green, Martin Sanders, Harlan Jones, Benjamin Sands, Eldon sully, Robert O. Jones, Wendell Bates, Timothy Jones, Clarence Enalls, Michael Smith, Keith Bazemore, Dennis Allen, Adolph Wright
Design/Creative: Kirk Stuart, Conductor. Anthony Booker, Musical Director. Rickey Payton, Associate Music Director. Reldord Patterson, Vocal Coach. St. Clair Christmas, Costume & Set Designer. Marvin Watkins, Lighting Designer.
Stage/Production Management: Cheryl Johnson-Dillard, Production Manager. Mary T. Wells, Associate Production Manager. Mirma Jones, Stage Manager. Carle Atwater, Assistant Stage Manager
3 images: Collection, Channing Pollock, "”Sound of Soul”" (1978).
Spring 1979 - The Switzerland Project
During the Spring Semester 1979, students and faculty traveled to Europe to perform and experience an intercultural learning environment. CLICK HERE to review greater details of the 1978-79 European Tour.
Spring Semester 1979
RAISIN book by Robert Nemiroff & Charlotte Zalzberg. Lyrics by Robert Brittan. (Musical)
Directed by Charles B. Axton
Rehearsal Director: Geoffrey Newman
Dates: January 1 - April 1, 1979. Previewed February 2, 1979. Premiered February 3, 1979
Produced in Stadt Theatre in St. Gallen, Switzerland, other Swiss cities and Germany
SOUND OF SOUL written by Owen Dodson & Gary Keyes (a Musical Revue)
Adapted for stage by Geoffrey Newman and Sandra Bowie
Directed by Geoffrey W. Newman
Dates: January 1 - April 1, 1979. The play premiered January 19, 1979 in Switzerland (a total of 10 scheduled performances. However, several were canceled)
Produced in Stadt Theatre in St. Gallen, Switzerland, other Swiss cities and Germany
The department participated in the American College Theatre Festival, represented by LaTonya Welch in the National Irene Ryan Contest at the Kennedy Center
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 2-9-1979" (1979). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 232. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/232
Spring Semester 1979 (no season theme)
3. EXTENSIONS II
Directed by Laverne Reed and Edna Long
Date: Spring 1979
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
4. EARTH AND STARS written by S. Randolph Edmonds
Directed by St. Clair Christmas
Date: Spring 1979
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
5. GOD’S TROMBONES written by James Weldon Johnson
Directed by T. G. Cooper. Choreographed by LaVerne H. Reed
Date: Spring 1979
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Excerpts from 1978/79 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Department of Drama section
Pg. 92...Friday Theatre was introduced this year as a vehicle for student and faculty workshops and productions. Every Friday, a theatre experience of some kind was presented. Various artists and artistic groups both locally and nationally were featured. The introduction of staged play readings highlighted the Friday Theatre format.
Procedures and guidelines for the various areas of departmental program were compiled into a handbook which was designed for both students and faculty use. It contained the various regulations of the university and the department along with critical materials. The Handbook proved to be very successful in advising and informing students. The Handbook will be amended and updated this summer for fall 1979.
Pg. 93...This year, the Department of Drama was invited by the Stadt Theatre in St. Gallen, Switzerland to perform in the European premier of Raisin by Lorraine Hansberry. The department sent eighteen students to participate in this project. In addition, we produced Sound of Soul by Owen Dodson directed by Gefforey W. Newman. This show received a 25 minute standing ovation on opening night. The reviews of this show were ecstatic. Sound of Soul was performed 20 times in various cities in Switzerland.
Pg. 94...The Howard University Youth Theatre participated in the International Maytime Festival in Dundalk, Ireland where we won the coveted Premiere Award for our performance of Brother, Brother, Brother Mine.
Pg. 96...The Department of Drama finds that it will be necessary to reduce its productions because needed funds and staff are not available. This year we have achieved international success and recognition for our productions. Diminishing our output at this time when the department is growing in stature is most unfortunate. Not only is our reputation impaired, but this fact occurs at a time when we are seeing a tremendous increase in the number of drama majors.
The projected plans for the academic year, 1979/80 will focus on two major productions in order that we can concentrate on improvement in the technical areas. We also plan to invite guest artists in order to attract a wider range of audiences. We sill continue our analysis of the curriculum. Hopefully, we will be able to rcommend our proposed graduate program for approval by December, 1979. These deliberations will prepare us for departmental accreditation, which we hope to acquire by fall 1981.
1977/1978 - Theodore G. Cooper, Chair, Department of Drama
1977/1978 - Theodore G. Cooper, Chair, Department of Drama
Acting Dean: Thomas J. Flagg, College of Fine Arts
Assistant Dean: Claiborne Richardson
Major: B. F. A. in Drama
Areas of Concentration & Coordinators: Acting (Sandra Bowie), Theatre Education (Carole W. Singleton), Directing (Vera J. Katz), Playwriting (Joseph A. Walker)
Staff: none listed in annual report
Faculty:
Professor – Joseph A. Walker
Associate Professor – Theodore G. Cooper, Kelsey Collie, Dr. Carole W. Singleton, Henriette Edmonds
Assistant Professor – Sandra Bowie, Vera J. Katz, Geoffrey W. Newman, Joe Selmon
Lecturer – St. Clair Christmas, Joyce D. Mattison, Louis Johnson
Howard Players President: Kent Jackman fall '77/Clinton Carbon spring '78
FROM THE DEPARTMENT CHAIR - THEODORE G. COOPER
All drama majors are required to audition for all shows and written permission from the Chairman of the Drama Department is required for participation in any theatre productions outside the Department. Students will be penalized for not auditioning for all shows.
Fall 1977: The Reckoning - a Student Protest
Fall 1977: The Reckoning - a Student Protest
During this academic year the Department of Drama hosted the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for Region XI (ACTF) This would be Howard's first time hosting the festival. The initial play selected to represet Howard in the festival was:
The Reckoning written by Douglas Turner Ward. According to student petitions, the play was shut down and replaced with a more "appropriate" play to be entered in the American College Theatre Festival instead. There was a significant student protest which created a rift in the department.
CLICK HERE to review greater details surrounding the student push back on censorship.
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 11-18-1977" (1977). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 198. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/198
Spring Semester 1978 (no season theme)
CELEBRATION written by Tom Jones (Musical)
Directed by Geoffrey Newman. Choreographed by Henriette Edmonds
Howard University Children’s Theatre Touring production
Date: Spring 1978
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
EXTENSIONS (Dance Concert)
Under the direction of LaVerne H. Reed
Date: April 21-23, 1978
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
THE RECKONING written by Douglas Turner Ward (canceled)
Director was Joseph A. Walker
This was the original ACTF play submission but the play was canceled
SATURDAY NITE LIVE (Student Production)
By many former students and faculty, this production is attributed with the students receiving significantly increased oversight by the faculty and the Howard Players are "muted" for several years.
Below are a few comments from the faculty regarding the "failed" production:
Allow us to make it clear from the outset that the intention, mood and thrust of this communication from the faculty of Howard University's Drama Department to the department's student body reflects the unanimous judgement of the faculty. In other words, we are one voice.
We were appalled by the production performed Thursday, April 27, entitled "Saturday Night Live."
We were disturbed for many reasons. Before we proceed, however, allow us to clarify an issue which has been ruminating about the department. We were not disappointed with the content of the venture but with the form, style, manner and taste of its deliverance.
This is to say, we are only concerned with aesthetic considerations. Our prime function as a faculty is to make constant evaluations regarding artistic merit or lack of it.
Collection, Channing Pollock, "Saturday Nite Live”" (1978).
And it is in this light we frame this communication:
We witnessed a performance which started one hour and twenty minutes late and lasted three hours and fifty-five minutes, which adds up to a five hour and twenty minute evening.
The entire production exuded the feeling of being under rehearsed. Technical incompetence was rampant. Risque or pornographic-inclined material was handled in the most gross and unimaginative fashion. No thought of style was demonstrated. The judgement of the departmental chairman was questioned because he felt it necessary to discontinue the performance of one of the particularly curde scenes by switching off the lights. Let it be noted that the faculty is of one accord. The faculty's least competent creations extend far beyond this or any student production rendered this or any other year.
Kent Jackman - Oral History Interview by Denise J. Hart (July 15, 2018) class of 1978, Directing
What year did you graduate and what was your major area of concentration?
I graduated in 1978 as a Directing major. During that time Ted Cooper was the department chair.
Did the department produce enough black plays?
He thinks so. He valued that between student and the faculty plays there were a wide range of genres that served him well.
Was Vera Katz the coordinator for the Directing major?
They did not use the term coordinator back then. Vera Katz, Joe Walker and Geoffrey Newman were the key directing instructors. I was the assistant director on Antigone Africanus. It was a good growing opportunity and portraying us as kings and queens was right up my alley. The content and technique was a great opportunity. It was made clear to me what a concept was with that production. For that reason, I was fine with Africanus.
Which side of the faculty divide did you fall on?
The divided faculty created a lot of confusion and made it counter productive to make the best of the limited time the students had in the department. The theory in the classroom was not necessarily coming across in the practical application of the production experience.
Tell me about the presence of the Howard Players in the department. Was there faculty support for the organization?
Yes and no there was faculty support. A lot of the Howard Players agenda… the most important thing was to make sure that when he left that as much as possible he knew what he was doing. In the dance studio they used it as an experimental theatre. They (the Howard Players) were very active in producing one acts and variety shows. The Howard Players were pretty much student run. There was a determination to make sure they were able to exercise their craft by any means necessary. The Experimental theatre was there space to do so. This was beyond any main stage efforts. They did 3 or more student driven presentations each semester. They didn’t receive much of a budget so it was grass roots and being resourceful. They charged an admission. Often it was set up like a cabaret theatre. They would use cubes and whatever furniture was round.
Why you produced Saturday Night Live?
Saturday Night Live my attempt to work with an absurdist play. The irony of what happened with Saturday Night Live is more clear now that you're sharing with me some of the things that preceded it. Knowing those things, makes it more relevant. Carole Singleton was a very good teacher in History of Theatre and Vera’s class about how directing fit into the culture of the times.
The idea of mirroring nature made absolute sense to him in terms of what theatre was supposed to do. Saturday Night Live was in its heyday at that time on TV. It was an inspiration and how satire was being used at that time. Some of the intended themes for Saturday Night Live was to satirize some of the divisiveness and confusion in the department. To satirize some of the absurdities in the College and Howard University in general. They parodied the lines on campus for registration and the popular Gong Show. He was using segments from Eugene Ionesco's the Lesson in between some of the original sketches. This was being done to highlight some of the things that were going on between the student/teacher relationship. The audience was a fire hazard because there were people everywhere.
They started much later than they should have. The faculty did see parodies of themselves as well. Enough so that when you add in the other factors, ultimately… One of the things they wanted to do was it was going to be a simulated orgy and parody these things. One guy took it further and mooned the audience. That broke the camels back. They (Ted Cooper) shut off the lights and ended the show. Joe Walker wrote a long letter to him expressing his discontent about the show and the issues.
Bottom line it was ironically it was the only time that the faculty came together and agreed on something. It was somewhat hypocritical that some of the faculty were the most contentious.
I really needed to leave knowing that I had made his best attempt and say something theatrically that spoke to the times he was living in.
Depending on what genre the instructors were in it felt as though you were only coordinating with folks who were specialists in those areas. My goal was to be comprehensively trained across all genres of theatre.
Were there any repercussions from doing Saturday Night Live?
He went from being an honor student to receiving D’s and F’s in classes. He should have graduated with honors. In years past whenever he thought of potentially going for a Masters he would wonder how would he explain how he went from being an honor student to in his last year to having the grades he received. The other side is he never had an opportunity to express that the irony is to do what they had been teaching him. Saturday Night Live reflected the mirror he was seeing in front of him right in that moment.
What were the strengths and weaknesses of the Department during your years?
During my years the department's strength was its ability to expose and nurture a more comprehensive understanding of the various skills (both on and off stage; as well as the administrative duties) involved in mounting theatrical productions - along with the opportunity to collaborate with students in related disciplines (i.e. musicians)
It's [primary] weakness at the time was the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) apparent divisiveness between instructors; based on factors ranging from preferred genre, professional career accomplishments, etc - which could (depending on a given student's personality &/or determination) impede their willingness/ability to gain from the full range of disciplines and experience that each instructor had to offer. A secondary weakness for me was the department's separation from the School of Communications (in reference to learning to act before cameras as well) - but I developed a personal strategy to accommodate that desire. He got on work study in the school of communications to make a little money and to be available to work with students in film.
What has life been like since you graduated?
He has been a teaching artist and being a performer. He did more with Sketch Writing – The Apollo Comedy Hour.
What is the relevance of Howard's Theatre program?
The relevance of a theatre program focusing black experience. We still need to be able to comment on the things that affect our world in this day and age. Plays that do that serve a purpose well beyond entertainment. Theatre is one of the few professions where you can actually put aside your diifferences and come together for the good of the production.
Fall Semester 1977 (no season theme)
The Department of Drama hosted the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for Region XI (ACTF) This would be Howard's first time hosting the festival.
PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN written by Theodore G. Cooper
Directed by Geoffrey Newman
This was billed as a faculty production with only one student performer
Date: September 1977
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre.
This production is billed as the First Annual Faculty Show
Cast: St. Clair Christmas, Sandra Bowie, and Theodore G. Cooper
Design: Ron Truitt, Set Design. Mary Warren, Costume Design. Joe Selmon, Lighting Design.
1967 alum, Richard Wesley's Play Mighty Gents is produced at the Kennedy Center
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 3-24-1978" (1978). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 210. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/210
ANTIGONE AFRICANUS written and conceived by Joseph Walker (Musical Theatre piece)
Directed by Joseph Walker
Entry into the American College Theatre Festival. It replaced The Reckoning
Kent Jackman Assistant Director
Date: Nov. 1977
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Excerpt from 1977/78 College of Fine Arts Annual Report
Pg. 22... During the year, a great degree of sharing and cooperation was fostered by various activities. The concept of openness in administration and the concept of shared governance formed the basis for communication within the College. The following are specific activities that generated exchange of ideas, and contributed to development of a spirit of cooperation and understanding within the College: Institution of the first interdisciplinary course, Blacks in the Arts; development of By-Laws of the College; development of Instruments for Peer Evaluation; development of Criteria for Equating Performances with Publications; working toward the first College-Wide Production (which was eventually cancelled); working toward the realization of the Switzerland Project; and, planning of an Arts festival for the Spring of 1979.
Pg. 27...Committees of the faculty are currently studying the feasibility of offering two additional innovative major programs. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Musical Theater is projected as an interdisciplinary program to be designed by the Department of Music and the Department of Drama. Its principal goal will be to explore, in depth, the requirements of the Broadway Musical.
Pg. 33...During the 1977-78 academic year, there were 117 students pursuing majors in Art, 155 in Drama, 221 in Music. The decrease in the enrollment of Art and Music was offset by a corresponding increase in Drama.
Pg. 37...The Dance program entitled "Extensions" was a spectacular highlight of the year, for it revealed an abundance of student ability in various aspects of dance theater. Students are being challenged to achieve high standards through departmental requirements such as recitals, exhibitions, and dramatic performances. Excellent examples are being set by members of the faculty.
Pg. 191...One major problem of the year came during the first semester when student enrollment for the band program dropped below the number to successfully field a marching band. In response to the is problem, the Dean, College of Fine Arts, initiated an experimental program in awarding grant-in-aid to students in need of financial assistance to participate in the band program. The grant-in-aid program is continuing into the 1978-79 school ear.
Excerpt from 1977/78 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Department of Drama section
The HOWARD PLAYERS Organization is NOT MENTIONED anywhere IN THE ANNUAL REPORT
Pg. 94...Students responded enthusiastically to a special program in dance and it was also discovered that our interest in building a Dance Program must move beyond dialogue into reality in view of the positive response to the second dance concert of the department on the part of the participants, the campus and the community. The Department would like to extend its sincere thanks to the President of the University, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Dean of the College of Fine Arts for their support of dance with the remodeling of the theatre lounge into the finest Dance Studio in the Metropolitan Area.
Pg. 94...The Drama faculty announced the T. G. Cooper Award for Faculty Solidarity on May 13, 1978. T. G. Cooper, the present Chairman of Drama, was the first recipient.
Pg. 95...NEEDS - 1. The strengthening of the undergraduate program, specifically in the area of Black Theatre through courses in Musical Theatre, Improvisational Theatre and the Living Stage, as well as Drama in the community schools. 2. The establishment of a graduate program leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree. A University based repertory theatre company will form an integral part of this program.
1976/1977 - Theodore G. Cooper, Chair, Department of Drama
1976/1977 - Theodore G. Cooper, Chair, Department of Drama
Deans: College of Fine Arts
Vada E. Butcher, Dean, fall 1976
Thomas J. Flagg, acting Dean, spring 1977
Assistant Dean: Kelsey E. Collie
Major: B. F. A. in Drama
Major & Coordinators: Directing, Acting (Joseph Walker), Playwriting, Technical Theatre, Theatre Education (Kelsey Collie)
Staff: Irma Ford
Faculty:
Professor – Joseph A. Walker
Associate Professor – Theodore G. Cooper, Kelsey Collie, Henriette Edmonds
Assistant Professor – St. Clair Christmas, Geoffrey W. Newman, Joe Selmon, Carole W. Singleton
Instructor – Sandra Bowie, Anne H. Jenkins
Lecturer – LaVerne H. Reed, Ron Truitt, Joyce Mattison
Consultant - Louis Johnson
Howard Players President: Brian Chandler
The overall goal of the Department of Drama is to prepare its students to pursue a career in the professional or community theatre; teach drama on either the secondary or college level; or pursue a research career in the theatre arts. ~ Theodore G. Cooper, Chairman, 1976
A Major Disruption in College of Fine Arts Leadership - fall 1976
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 9-24-1976" (1976). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 165. https://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/165 T
December 22, 1976
FROM: THE CHAIR THEODORE G. COOPER
TO: Dean Flagg
I was told by the Drama faculty of 1972 that local critics, Richard Coe of The Washington Post and David Richards of The Star, refused to come to Ira Aldridge after the college disturbances of the late 60's. I personally informed both critics that the Department was taking on a new image and we would be projecting quality theatre during my chairmanship. These critics now review our productions on a regular basis. Reviews by these critics since 1972 have ranged from good to excellent.
On March 31, 1977 Ted Cooper attempts to produce Joseph Walker's play, Lion Is a Soul Brother in the summer months when the theatre is dark starting May 18, 1977 for 3 weeks. An additional request was made for the University to open housing for students who would be cast in the production. The effort was not successful.
Richard L. Coe. The Washington Post, Pg. K6. January 2, 1977
Excerpt from 1976/77 College of Fine Arts Annual Report
Pg. 29...The Children's Theater, directed by Kelsey Collie, was acclaimed nationally and internationally for its imaginative productions and community service. The group won first prize in the Dundalk International Maytime Festival (Dundalk, Ireland) in May 1977. Not since 1949 had a theatrical troupe from Howard appeared in Europe.
Langston Hughes' "Tambourine to Glory" directed by Geoffrey Newman, enjoyed a triumphant run on campus and received an award for "Excellence in Theatrical Productions" in the American College Theater Festival IX (Eastern Regional).
Excerpt from 1976/77 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Department of Drama section
Pg. 86...Several of the existing programs were further developed. The Theatre Education Major was coordinated with the Schools of Education and Communication and is now a more viable program. Students completing the Theatre Education Major can seek jobs on the secondary and college level.
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 2-11-1977" (1977). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 177. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/177
Pg. 87...SPECIAL PROJECTS - For the second time the Department of Drama has joined forces with the D. C. Department of Recreation and has presented high quality Christmas shows for the family.
Under the direction of LaVerne Howell Reed the productions, Santa and the Band of gypsies, presented Christmas, 1975 and Santa Christmas Jam, presented Christmas, 1976 have been overwhelmingly successful.
Excerpt from 1976/77 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Department of Drama section
Pg. 87...SPECIAL PROJECTS - Although the first two productions were last minute decisions, the department is anticipating the next Christmas show and will plan it as a part of its regular community program.
Mrs. Reed was the writer for the first two productions and will be writing the next one.
Pg. 87...January 14, 1977 Assistant Dean, Kelsey E. Collie contacts the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) regarding the process for membership for the Department of Drama.
This is the national accrediting agency for drama and theatre departments,
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 2-18-1977" (1977). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 178. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/178
Spring Semester 1977 (no season theme)
LYSISTRATA 2002 adapted and directed by T. G. “Ted” Cooper (Musical)
Date: Feb, 16-27, 1977
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
This play was a new kind of theatre for Black people.
The production was extremely colorful, very spacy and lightly reminiscent of the famous Star Trek TV series.
BLACK IMAGES/BLACK REFLECTIONS written by Kelsey Collie. (Howard University Children's Theatre)
Directed by Kelsey Collie.
Date: May 20-29, 1977
Produced: Participated in and won top honors at the Dundalk International Maytime Festival in Ireland
With financial assistance provided through a Faculty Research Grant and additional funding from the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, the trip. This play was chosen to be performed because it provided an international audience with facts about Blacks, served up in a theatrical and educational manner. A triumphant presentation tat had "the audience nearly standing in their seats" garnered the Presidents Award, the highest honor bestowed upon any of the ten competitors.
Cast: Actors - Clinton Carbon, Melvin Andrews, Diana Benson, Gail Fitzgerald, Vanessa Reid, Timothy Harrell, Karen Jackson, Stephen Scott, William Ward, Mischelle Yates
Production Team: Henri Edmonds, Acting Coach. Pianist, Kirke Harris, Percussionist, Von Clay
Stage Management: Bernard Jefferson, Stage Manager. Sparkle Hobson, Rani Jenkins & Cynthia Smith, Assistant Stage Managers
FIND YOURSELF A DREAM written by Ted. G. Cooper. Music by Roger Hogan. (Musical)
Directed by Kelsey E. Collie. Choreography by LaVerne H. Reed
Date: April 20 - May 1, 1977
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
A musical piece reflecting a slice of life from the life of Colonel Charles Young. Colonel Young was the third Black graduate from West Point Military Academy. He composed and played music on the piano and violin
Cast: Glen, Jhonny H. Wade, Karen L. Jackson, Angela L. Bridges, Christopher Gray, Lisa Mia Blackwell, Debra A. Taylor, Kim Denyse Collie,Debra A. Taylor, Denise Richards, Vaughn barksdale, Mark Smith, Rani Jenkins, Nancy Booker, Stephen Scott, Melvin Andrews, Bernard P. Francis Jefferson III, Richard Pleasant, Vanessa Reid, Lateefah-Gloria Snowden, Monifa-Theresa Christian, Gail Fitzgerald, Janice Price, William Keith Ward, Dianna Lee Benson
Design/Creative Team: Kirke Harris, Musical Director. Ron Truitt, Set Designer. Joe Selmon, Lighting Designer. St. Clair Christmas, Costume Designer. Joe Selmon, Technical Director. Henri Edmonds, Speech Coach
Stage Management: Jan Simmons, Stage Manager. Vickie Yvette Brantley, Assistant Stage Manager
Fall Semester 1976
TAMBOURINES TO GLORY written by Langston Hughes (Musical)
Directed by Geoffrey Newman
Choreography by Laverne H. Reed
Date: November 10-21, 1976
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Tambourines to Glory was entered in the American College Theatre Festival. It won the regional honor.
1986 Production Poster from The Katz Collection, Howard University, Department of Art. Accessed 2020.
Marva Hicks Student Winner
Spring 1977, Marva Hicks wins the Irene Ryan Scholarship award at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 2-25-1977" (1977). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 179. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/17
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 3-4-1977" (1977). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 180. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/180
1975/1976 - Theodore G. Cooper, Chair, Department of Drama
1975/1976 - Theodore G. Cooper, Chair, Department of Drama
Dean: Vada E. Butcher, College of Fine Arts
Major: B. F. A. in Drama
Areas of Concentration: Directing, Acting, Playwriting, Technical Theatre
Staff: Irma Ford
Howard Players President: ?
Faculty:
Associate Professor – Theodore G. Cooper, Kelsey Collie, Henriette Edmonds
Assistant Professor – Vera Katz, St. Clair Christmas, Geoffrey W. Newman, Ronald E. Truitt
Instructor – Sandra Bowie, Anne H. Jenkins
Lecturer – LaVerne H. Reed, James L. Rynning Jr., Eleanor Traylor
Consultant - Louis Johnson
Excerpt from 1975/76 College of Fine Arts Annual Report
Pg. iii...The post-war baby boom, planned parenthood and medical discoveries are changing the demographic contour of the population and in so doing, altering our educational needs. The shrinking number of eighteen-year olds, and the growing percentage of senior citizens (seven percent today; thirty-three percen tby the end of the century) dictate less emphasis upon traditional curricula and the expansion of continuing education programs. Colleges and universities are responding to the new assertiveness of women and ethnic minorities by providing especially designed curricula for part-time students, compensatory program sand courses in ethnic studies.
Pg. xii...Black students particularly, benefit from art courses especially designed for non-professionals, for informed experience in art can easily draw aside the veneer of Western cultural values, by-pass the verbal barrier, and speak directly to the emotions and imagination. Although the projections for Blacks in the job market are as gloomy as those for Whites, the College of Fine Arts cannot afford to accept them. There are those who, calling themselves Enlighten-ists, maintain that underemployment is endemic to contemporary society, and that higher learning should no longer be advertised as a investment which pays off in high-level employment. Instead, they continue, college education should be looked upon as an experience which helps one find fulfillment, a meaningful life and sense of self worth. there is no argument against this lofty ideal, but Blacks simply cannot afford the luxury of devoting their meager finances and four of the most important years of their lives to the quest of self-fulfillment alone. According to the National Association fo rEqual Opportunity in Higher Education, only three percent of the 24,000 doctorates awarded in 1974 went to Blacks. The Changing Status of Blacks since 1960 by Leviathan, Johnston and Taggart emphasizes that Blacks remain largely excluded from the most direct and visible positions of power and control in government, large corporations and other social institutions. Accordingly, the College of Fine Arts at Howard University plans to continue its preparation of professionals in career-oriented curricula and to expand its exploration of the mob market for young artists. Our mission has not changed.
Pg. 13-14 - Assessment of Achievements in 1975-1976: Preparation of the following recommendations for consideration of Vice President for Academic Affairs: Addition of a Department of Dance to the College of Fine Arts. Approval of a curriculum leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Drama.
Excerpt from 1975/76 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Department of Drama section
Pg. 36...Realizing that Black Theatre is leaving its confinement of a revolutionary and political "genre" and expanding into other areas, the Department devoted the academic year 1974-75 to the discovery of versatile talent among the students in the Department.
With the initiation of these new programs during the academic year 1975-76, the Department remains abreast of its goals, works in keeping with purposes of the University and educate students in terms of today's trends in theatre.
It is also clear that the local and national communities - approve of the new programs as can be seen by attendance at Department's productions. Box Office receipts totaled over $7,500.00 for the season, whereas, in the past, receipts have barely totaled $3,000.00.
Pg. 36...The Howard Players gave a benefit performance of The River Niger show for the College of Medicine at Howard University Hospital
Pg. 37...The final production, Niggers, written and staged by Louis Johnson with music by Howard Alumnus Valerian Smith, proved again that a Dance major or preferably a Department of Dance is a necessity at Howard. Niggers is a satire on how Black folks are viewed by white folks. Jacqueline Trescott of The Washington Post had this to say about Niggers "...Niggers, takes a sharp and innovative look at the joys, casualties and ironies of Black life..."
Pg. 40...THE HOWARD PLAYERS - The Howard Players, composed of students, faculty, alumni and some community members were presented by Howard University's Department of Community Health-College of medicine and Drama-College of Fine Arts in a condensed version of The River Niger on December 8, 1975. The performance was held at Howard University Hospital Auditorium. Proceeds were donated to Committee L.E.A.D. Life Skills and Spanish Senior Citizens E.O.F.U.L.A.
Spring Semester 1976 (no season theme)
KOJO AND THE LEOPARD written by Ihunanya
Directed by Kelsey Collie
Date: January 28-Feb. 8, 1976
Produced in Environmental Theatre Lounge
THE NIGGERS written by Louis Johnson. Music by Valerian Smith (a New Musical)
Directed and Choreographed by Louis Johnson
Date: April 28 - May 9, 1976
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
A satire on how Black folks are viewed by white folks. Jacqueline Trescott of The Washington Post had this to say about Niggers "...Niggers, takes a sharp and innovative look at the joys, casualties and ironies of Black life..."
Cast: Michael Goring, Kashka, Arnold Kingsbury, Kent C. Jackman, Clarenze Jarmon, James R. Carrroll, Gregory H. Poole, Sylvia Bronson, Muriel D. Burwell, Phoebe Redmond, Diana Lee Benson, Rhonda Greene, Brian Chandler, Sheila Renee Johns, Dwania Kyles, D. Octavia Taylor, Arthur Homer, Gail Fitzgrald, Carlton Gregg, Carole Maillard, Duane Casey, Gregory Holtz, Noble Lee Lester, Marva D. Hicks, Vanessa Reid, Julia C. McGirt, Bernadette Swinson, Gordenia Henson, Anthony Duncan
Musicians: Sam Wilkins, Bill Toles, Anthony Booker
Design/Creative: Anthony Booker, Musical Director. Jim Rynning, Lighting Designer & Technical Director. Ron Truitt, Scenery. St. Clair Christmas, Costume Design & Graphics, Ron Truitt, Sound.
Stage/Production Management: Phoebe Redmond, Stage Manager. E. Charmaine Roberts, Assistant Stage Manager
Fall Semester 1975 (no season theme mentioned)
THE RIVER NIGER written by Joseph Walker (Collegiate Premier)
Recipient of the 1974 Best Play Tony award for the 1973-74 Broadway season
Directed by Theodore G. Cooper
Date: Sept. 17-28, 1975
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: a university and professional cast
Design/Creative: St. Clair Christmas, Set Design. Marvin Watkins, Lighting Design. St. Clair Christmas, Costume Design
THE BRASS MEDALLION written by student Ajamu/Robert Crawford, a senior playwriting. (Howard Players student production)
Directed by St. Clair Christmas
Won second place in the American College Theatre Festival
This was the first time a black playwright placed in the festival competition
Date: Nov. 5-9, 12-16, 1975
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Playwrights Note:
A self imposed yoke, a weight or perhaps an impressive/oppressive ornament. An emblem worn proudly, a god served unquestioningly, an object to be mastered, but so often masters us. it rode horseback with John Wayne, gave virility to John Shaft, snorted dope with Superfly and pranced into the sunset with the Lone Ranger. All men wear it, yet each one claims to be of the chosen few. No man dare deny it, no man dare neglect it, for it must be shined and polished everyday. And it is hoped that on some great day one will have polished it so well, it will remarkably turn to gold, and all one's polishing will be over. And all women will give praise to "The Last Man on Earth.
Cast: Clarenze F. Jarmon, Sugar Bear Willis, Maurice Felder, Nobel Lester, Gary Rodwell, Gregory Holtz, Reginald Allen, Kent Jackman, Fred Harris, Melvin Andrews, Stuart Perry, Keith Wallace, James Miles, Morris Jenkins Jr, Nate Osborne, Ron Yancy, Chris Gray, Eddie Dee Sargent, James Taylor, Stephen Scott
Musicians: Sam Wilkins, Bill Toles, Anthony Booker
Design/Creative: Jim Rynning, Set & Lighting Designer. St. Clair Christmas, Costume Design & Graphics, Ron Truitt, Sound.
Stage/Production Management: Brian Chandler, Stage Manager. William Ward, Assistant Stage Manager
LADIES IN WAITING & SEVENTH SEAL (Howard Players student productions)
TALES, TALES AND MORE TALES written/directed by Kelsey Collie (HUCT Tour)
BLACK IMAGES/BLACK REFLECTIONS written/directed by Kelsey Collie (HUCT Tour)
Howard University Drama Department flyer for the 1975-76 seasonCollection, Channing Pollock, "Howard University Drama Department flyer for the 1975-76 season" (1975). Flyers . 10.
https://dh.howard.edu/africana_flyers/10
https://dh.howard.edu/africana_flyers/10
1986 Production Poster from The Katz Collection, Howard University, Department of Art. Accessed 2020.
Winner of the 1973 Tony Award for Best Play, The River Niger, originally presented by the Negro Ensemble Company, is a surging drama about a Harlem family facing unrest when their son returns from the Air Force.
Originally performed by the Negro Ensemble Company and winner of the Obie and later the Tony Award as Best Play of the season, The River Niger is a surging drama about a Harlem family whose son returns from the Air Force not the hero anticipated. His association with a militant group abroad has been infiltrated by a police informer who brings the unrest of South Africa to their door.
The River Niger opened on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on March 27, 1973. Directed by Douglas Turner Ward, the production featured Ward, Roxie Roker, Frances Foster and Les Roberts.
Collegiate Premier was produced at Howard University Department of Drama Sept. 17-28, 1975.
Pulled from https://www.concordtheatricals.com/p/6702/the-river-niger
Collection, Channing Pollock, "“Kojo and the Leopard”" (1976). Flyers . 1. https://dh.howard.edu/africana_flyers/1
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 12-5-1975" (1975). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 150. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/150
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 9-19-1975" (1975). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 141. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/141
1974/1975 - Theodore G. Cooper, Chair, Department of Drama
1974/1975 - Theodore G. Cooper, Chair, Department of Drama
Dean: Vada E. Butcher, College of Fine Arts
Major: B. F. A. in Drama
Areas of Concentration: Directing, Acting, Playwriting, Technical Theatre
Staff: Irma Ford
Howard Players President: ?
Faculty:
Associate Professor – Henriette Edmonds
Assistant Professor – Theodore G. Cooper, Kelsey Collie, Vera Katz, Geoffrey W. Newman, Ronald E. Truitt
Instructor – St. Clair Christmas, Anne H. Jenkins
Lecturer – Eleanor Traylor, Quay B. Truitt
Consultant - Louis Johnson, Michelle A. Murray
Excerpt from 1974/75 College of Fine Arts Annual Report
Pg. vi...To summarize, the economic and social changes which occurred in 1975-1975 have forced us to re-order our thinking and to review and reassess the role of the College of Fine Arts on the Howard University campus, in the immediate community, in the nation, and in the world. We see the future not as a time of despair, but as a period of renewal, adaptation and change which is long overdue. As we continue our efforts to achieve artistic and academic excellence in the preparation of professional students, we must also take advantage of the increased opportunities for expanding our services and extending them to all who wish them.
Fall Semester 1974 Season Theme: Year of Discovery
THE CRUCIFICADO written by Edgar White
Directed by St. Clair Christmas
Date: Nov. 6-24, 1974
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Design/Creative Team: Ron Truitt, Set Designer
GOODNIGHT, MARY BECKY written by Ted G. Cooper
Directed by Ted G. Cooper
The Howard Players also toured this play to Lincoln University.
Date: Sept. 25-Oct. 13, 1974
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
1986 Production Poster, The Katz Collection, Howard University, Department of Art. Accessed 2020.
Pg. 36 1974/75 College of Fine Arts annual report: GOODNIGHT MARY BECK Opened the door to a new kind of theatre about Black people. A tragi-comedy reflecting a slice of life from the black middle-class, MARY BECK was moderately well received by the Howard community and praised by the media critics. David Richards of the WASHINGTON STAR-NEWS called the play a "Yum Yum Love Story" comparing MARY BECK to the play, UNDER THE YUM YOUM TREE and the popular story, LOVE STORY.
MAGICAL FACES written by Brian Wade (HUCT production)
Directed by Taquiena Boston
Date: Sept. 27-Nov. 22, 1974
Produced in Experimental Theatre Lounge
Spring Semester 1975 Season Theme: Year of Discovery
MUSHY MOUTH book, music & lyrics written by Henri Edmonds (Children's Musical)
Directed by Vera J. Katz
Date: Feb. 19 – March 9, 1975
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Richard Coe of The Washington Post had this to say about the show: "...Mushy Mouth, billed as "a new musical for children of all ages," is a distinct community service..."
Director's Note: DEAR BELIEVERS: This is a play about a girl who learns to talk well. And that happens because she really believes she can. And that happens because other people believe in her and help her. Just like the cast, the crew, the directos and the faculty believe in all of you - THE CHILDREN. We believe as Mushy Mouth says, that if "you want to do something way down deep inside and never forget that you're trying all the time, you can! So, with a lot of belief and trying all-the-time, and with love we all give you.
Cast: James R. Carroll, James Cheek Jr, Sarah Peng, Renee Rivera, Vanessa Rivera, Linda Soper, Stanley Spottswood, Stephanie Bradley Angela Bridges, Sylvia Bronson, Robin Moore, Phoebe Redmond, Charmaine Roberts, Katrinka O. Stringfield, Lynn B. Shufford, Sudrey Ella Wright, David L. White, Wanda D. Whiteside, Sharon Simmons, Charles Morris Jr, Wayne Harris, Donald Bethea, Muriel D. Burwell, Pamela J. Jackson, Deboray Gwynn, Linda O. Robinson, Milton D. wright, Wardell Barnes, Brian E. Chandler, Diana L. Benson, Marva Hicks, Lynn S. Whitfield, E. Charmaine Roberts, Gary D. Rodwell, Deborah Gwynn, yogi Bridges, Sheila R. Johns, Remi Otalayo, Mwalimu Ra-om, Audrey Ella Wright
Design/Creative Team: Clyde Jacques Barrett, Choreography. St. Clair Christmas, Set Design. Ron Truitt, Lighting Design & Technical Director. Anthony Booker, Music & Vocal Director
Stage/Production Management: Lynnette F. Cooke, Stage Manager Sibby Bronson & Tanya Alexander, Assistant Stage Managers
Musicians: Anthony Booker, Douglas Payne, Sam Wilkins, Larry Wood
TAKE ONE IT’S DANCE (Dance Concert)
Directed and Choreographed by Louis Johnson
Date: May 2-4, 1975
Participants numbered over sixty and included many students majoring in fields other than Drama
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Choreographers: Louis Johnson, Michele Murray
Performers: Nancy Davis, Juanita Barnes, Brian Chandler, Karen Jackson, Noble Lester, Paula Slade, Marva Hicks, Cheryl Johnson, Gail Fitztgerald, Deni Henson, Vanessa Reid, Sheila Johns, Phyllis Becker, Linda Robinson, Wardell Barnes, Carol Maillard, Arnold Kingsbury, Muriel Burwell, Lynn Whitfield, Donald Bethea, Diana Benson, Dianne Houston
Design: Quay Barnes Truitt, Costumes. Lighting Lab Class, Lighting. India Fobbs, Sound.
Stage Management: B. J. Ried, Mirma A. Johnson
BLACK IMAGES/BLACK REFLECTIONS written by Kelsey Collie
Directed by Dianne Houston
Date: Feb. 14-May 16, 1975
Produced in Howard Univeristy Children's Theatre production
Excerpt from 1974/75 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Department of Drama section
Pg. 35-36...It was also discovered that our interest in building Dance program must move beyond dialogue into reality in view of the positive response to the first dance concert of the Department on the part of the participants, the campus and the community.
The year of Discovery revealed the inadequacy of two of the Department's programs--Technical Theatre and Directing and the need for three additional ones: Dance Theatre, Musical Theatre and Educational Theatre.
Presently there are seven course in Technical Theatre, which separate the stagecraft segment of theatre from the light aspect. In the fall semester of the academic year 1975-76, these seven courses will be reduced to four, synthesizing stagecraft, lighting and design as they are used on the stage.
Interest in the Directing program has diminished because of the space problem. There is not enough space for students majoring in directing to practice their craft.
The coming year will see more student workshop productions than polished main stage productions. The Directing program is also being revised to encompass the Acting and Technical Theatre programs.
Louis Johnson, internationally-known choreographer and nationally-known Michelle Murray joined the staff as consultants in the area of Theatre Movement. A theatre dance course, Movement III, was added to the regular Movement courses, I and II. The three courses were taught jointly by Mr. Johnson and Miss Murray.
Special emphasis was placed on the Movement III courses which became the foundation for TAKE ONE IT'S DANCE, the first dance concert presented by the Movement classes in the Department. Efforts are being made to institute a minor in Dance by the fall semester of 1975. To do so, a full time dance instructor is needed. This position is at this time in the 1975-76 budget askings. Curriculum designs have been completed for Educational Theatre and are being prepared for Musical Theatre. These programs should be instituted by fall or spring of 1975-76.
Pg. 40...The Howard Players, composed of students, faculty, alumni and some community members sponsored a benefit concert, GIVE IT TO THE WORLD, during Commencement week. The show featured Donal Leace, Atlantic recording star, graduate of Howard and former Howard Player. The benefit concert was for Howard Players Scholarship Fund
Pg. 41... The Department developed one phase of the D.C. Redevelopment Land Agency's summer program which has been instrumental n securing positions for faculty and students. A team of six will perform street theatre during the first two weeks of August, 1975.
Glenda Dickerson, an alumna of the Department conceived and directed OWEN'S SONG, after a long run at the D.C. Black Repertory Company, opened for two weeks at the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theatre. Many of the department's stutdents and alumni were members of the OWEN'S SONG Company.
Pg. 42...Needs and Projections - The establishment of a graduate program leading to the MFA Degree. A University-based repertory theatre company will form an integral part of this program.
1973/1974 - Theodore G. Cooper, Acting Chair, Department of Drama
1973/1974 - Theodore G. Cooper, Acting Chair, Department of Drama
Dean: Dr. Vada E. Butcher, College of Fine Arts
Major: B. F. A. in Drama
Areas of Concentration: Directing, Acting, Playwriting, Technical Theatre
Staff: Irma Ford
Faculty:
Professor - none
Associate Professor - none
Assistant Professor - Ronald E. Truitt, Timothy Roseborough, Vera J. Katz, Theodore G. Cooper, Kelsey E. Collie
Instructor - Judith L. Howell, St. Clair Christmas
Lecturer - Linda Washington, Quay B. Truitt
Howard Players President: ?
Excerpt from 1973/74 College of Fine Arts Annual Report
Pg. 5...The physical facilities of the College of Fine Arts should offer students and faculty safe, well equipped, comfortable areas on which to work for a minimum of eighteen hours per day, seven days per week. These quarters should be planned with an eye toward suitability for the activities which they house, and decorated and maintained in a manner which will encourage the flow of creative ideas. It is wasteful to surround talented students and excellent teachers with dark corridors and uncomfortable, poorly equipped facilities which must be shared with students from other areas. Several conferences with representatives of the Physical Plant Department have convinced the dean that the structure now occupied by the College of Fine Arts was not well built and is poorly suited for its purpose. It is apparent that a Fine Arts Annex is needed, especially since the College no longer has the use of Cramton Auditorium."
Pg. 43...The Department of Music: The change of title from "School of Music" to "Department of Music".
Fall Semester 1973 (no season theme)
GOD’S TROMBONES written by James Weldon Johnson (Musical)
Directed by T.G. “Ted” Cooper
Date: Sept. 25 – Oct. 7, 1973
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Pg. 30 College of Fine Arts annual report - After a two-week run in Ira Aldridge, the Players, upon request, toured throughout the D.C. Metropolitan area, visiting three churches, Walter Reed Army Hospital and several social non-profit organizations for the benefit of raising funds for causes affecting the progress of Black people.
TIGER, TIGER BURNING BRIGHT written by Peter S. Feibleman
Directed by Vera J. Katz
Date: Nov. 28 – Dec. 9, 1973
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Tiger, starring Alfredine Brown reinstated the Guest Artist Program started by Professor Owen Dodson. The Guest Artist Program could possibly be the key to getting more of the middle class interested in Black theatre.
The following was drawn from a review of TIGER by Richard Coe of the Washington Post: "With Alfredine Parham Brown, The H. U. Players return to a Guest Policy which should prove as inspiring to its student performers as it is quickening to outside audiences."
Pg. 34 College of Fine Arts annual report...Children's Theatre began summer 1973. The project began in the summer of 1973 with a production mounted with faculty, student and community participation funded by the Faculty Research Program.
CELEBRATION written by and directed by Kelsey Collie (HUCT touring)
Date: Dec. 8-9, 1973
Produced in Experimental Theatre Lounge
KOJO AND THE LEOPARD written by Ihunanya
Directed by Kelsey Collie
Date: July 3 – Aug 3, 1974
Produced in Experimental Theatre Lounge
STUDENT PRODUCTIONS:
THE KING OF SOUL written by Ben Caldwell (Student production)
Directed by Gloria Bromell
Date: Dec. 1-4, 1973
Produced in Experimental Theatre Lounge
BLACK IS A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN (Howard Players student production)
A one woman show written by Margo Barnett
Produced in Experimental Theatre Lounge
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 12-7-1973" (1973). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 96. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/96
Excerpt from 1973/74 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Department of Drama section
Pg. 30... We subscribe to the statement of Dr. Ossie Davis, author of Purlie Victorious and nationally known actor who proclaims very loudly that the Black people are his boss - very simply stated but profound in terms of the direction in which Black theatre must go. The Howard University Players, composed of students, alumni and community residents and the Department worked together to produce a Season that answered the call of the Howard and Metropolitan Washington Communities.
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 9-28-1973" (1973). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 87. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/87
Spring Semester 1974 (no season theme)
TWO ONE ACT PLAYS:
BLACK GIRL written by J. E. Franklin
Directed by Linda S. Parris (student)
PAPA BEE ON THE D TRAIN written by GarlandL. Thompson
Directed by Mary F. Spruce (student)
Date: April 4-7, 1974
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
AMERICA HURAH written by Jean Vantiallie (Student production)
Directed by Taquiena Boston
Date: Feb. 21-23, 1974
Produced in Experimental Theatre Lounge
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 3-8-1974" (1974). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 105. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/105
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 6-20-1974" (1974). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 111. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/111
3. REPLENISH THE MERCURY POOL written by Al Thea Armstrong
Directed by Timothy Roseborough
Date: March 6-15, 1974
Produced in Experimental Theatre Lounge
Design: St. Clair Christmas, Set Design. Quay Barnes Truitt, Costume Design. Ron Truitt, Lighting Design
1986 Production Poster from The Katz Collection, Howard University, Department of Art. Accessed 2020.
Excerpt from 1973/74 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Department of Drama section
Department Needs
Pg. 37...The establishment of a graduate program leading to the MFA degree. A University-based repertory theatre company will form an integral part of this program.
Pg. 38...The establishment of a much needed dance program that will eventually become a permanent department under the auspices of the College of Fine Arts. Paramount is inadequate classroom space.
Pg. 37...Howard Theatre alum, Joseph Walker wins a Tony Award for the Best Play on Broadway. Roxie Roker, an alumna, was nominated for Best Supporting Actress - same play. Graham Brown, an alumnus, was also in the original Broadway production.
Pg. 37...Many of our students are members fo the D.C. Black Repertory Company and held the leading roles in the recent successful production of CHANGES. CHANGES was written by Vantile Whitfield, an alumnus of Howard University. Vantile Whitfield is the Artistic Director of the D. C. Black Repertory Company.
1972/1973 - Theodore G. Cooper, Acting Chair, Department of Drama
1972/1973 - Theodore G. Cooper, Acting Chair, Department of Drama
Dean: Dr. Vada E. Butcher, College of Fine Arts
Major: B. F. A. in Drama
Areas of Concentration: Acting, Playwriting, Directing
Staff: Irma Ford
Howard Players President: ?
Faculty:
Professor - none
Associate Professor - James Butcher
Assistant Professor - Vera J. Katz, Theodore G. Cooper
Instructor - St. Clair Christmas, Ronald E. Truitt, Timothy Roseborough, Alberta Wheeler, Joseph Walker
Lecturer P/T - Lynda G. Washington, Earl Anthony, Alvan Mike Malone, Ina Thomas, Eleanor Traylor
Playwright-in-Residence - Clayton Goss
Excerpts from 1972/73 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Department of Drama section
Pg. 31...One of the existing programs, the Experimental Theatre, was further developed. This Theatre saw nine productions mounted and executed exclusively by students last year. The Experimental Theatre enables students to actively participate in all phases of the theatre, not only in their specialties. Without the Experimental Theatre, large numbers of students would be denied the opportunity for this experience.
The Howard Players were reinstated after a long period of inactivity. The Players represented Howard on several trips this year including performances at Madison College, The Bergen-Passaic New Jersey Alumni Association of Howard University and The Negro Ensemble Company in New York.
The Players also performed in the D.C. Department of Recreation’s Tournament of One-Act Plays, where they won several prizes.
Fall Semester 1972 (no season theme mentioned)
ONE ACT PLAYS:
STRING written by Alice Childress
Directed by Vera J. Katz
Date: Oct. 24-29, 1972
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
WINE IN THE WILDERNESS written by Alice Childress
Directed by Vera J. Katz
Date: Oct. 24-29, 1972
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Two Alice Childress's dramas capturing, in broad perspective, some part of our common experience
THE STY OF THE BLIND PIG written by Phillip Hayes Dean
Directed by St. Clair Christmas
Date: Dec. 6-10, 1972
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
A play of passion and loneliness
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 10-20-1972" (1972). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 62. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/62
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 12-1-1972" (1972). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 67. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/67
Excerpt from 1972/73 College of Fine Arts Annual Report
Pg. ii... In the College of Fine Arts, the emphasis upon Black aesthetics serves to broaden rather than narrow student's academic and artistic horizons. This is achieved through the exploration of the diversity of the Black experience; comparison of Black artistic standards with those of other cultures; and examination of the university of the struggle for freedom and recognition in a hostile society. The College of Fine Arts is cognizant of its obligation to the community and carefully nurtures the traditional role of the artist as public servant. Selecting two dissimilar examples from history at random medieval morality plays, and African griot songs, one readilty sees that the artist has always acts as custodian of historical records, news, broadcaster, arbiter in cases of civil dispute, disciplinarian, chief celebrant in times of joy, and comforter in times of sorrow.
The College of Fine Arts continues this tradition by providing the community entertainment and emotional outlet through song, mime, form and color. Finally, the College of Fine Arts is aware of it accountability as liaison between the University and it's public. Indeed, the concerts, exhibits, and dramatic performances sponsored and produced by Fine Arts have much to do with the public image of the University in terms of their quality and artistic merit, as well as the philosopies and ideals which they express. It is not too far-fetched to say that the College of Fine Arts is the "show case" of the University, for in many instances the College is the first and only academic unit visited by outsiders.
Spring Semester 1973 (no season theme)
SHADE OF BLACK: PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN written by T. G. Cooper
Directed by Lynda Gravatt
Date: Jan. 17-21, 1973
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
A Black middle class woman's solution to finding her identity
SHANGO DE IMA written by Pepe Carril
Directed by Tim Roseborough
Date: Feb. 7-11, 1973
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
A Yoruba mystery play
ONE ACT PLAYS:
FOR BETTER OR WORSE written by Fai Walker (Student production)
Directed by Fai Walker
Date: March 7-11, 1973
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
An excursion into the life of a man and a woman
BEHOLD: A UNICORN written by Ihunanya (Student director)
Directed by Stan Jones
Date: March 7-11, 1973
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
A bold black woman who refuses to be white despite her green eyes, red hair and white skin
ATTICA DIARY: ATTICA BLUES written by Clay Goss
Directed by Eric Hughes (guest director from the D.C. Black Repertory company
Date: April 11-15, 1973
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
A new play on the Attica prison tragedy
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 3-9-1973 (includes Hilltop Magazine)" (1973). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 76. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/76
Student Directed Plays in Environmental Theatre Lounge
SISYPHUS AND THE BLUE-EYED CYCLOPS
Directed by Monica Scott
Date: Feb. 26-27, 1973
HARANGUES IV
Directed by Noel Holmes
Date: Feb. 28-March 2, 1973
HAPPY ENDING
Directed by Blytha Coleman
Date: March 3-4, 1973
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 3-30-1973" (1973). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 77. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/77
A LION ROAMS THE STREETS
Directed by Mary Francis Spruce
Date: March 14-15, 2973
WANDERING
Directed by Denise Hamilton
Date: March 30-31, 1973
TWO ONE ACT PLAYS
GREAT GOODNESS OF LIFE
Directed by Linda Parris
Date: April 13-14, 1973
THE TOTEM IN THE STAFF
Directed by Peter Karefa Smith
1971/1972 - James Butcher, Chair, Department of Drama
1971/1972 - James Butcher, Chair, Department of Drama
Acting Dean: Mark Fax, College of Fine Arts
Associate Dean: James Butcher
Major: B. F. A. in Drama
Areas of Concentration: Dramatic Literature, Directing and Production, Acting, Design, Technical Production and Lighting
Staff: one full time secretary. Name not listed in annual report
Faculty:
Professor - none
Associate Professor - James Butcher
Assistant Professor - Glenda Dickerson, Alvan Mike Malone
Instructor - St. Clair Christmas, Vera J. Katz, Ronald E. Truitt
Lecturer P/T - Paul Allen, Eleanor Traylor, Alberta Wheeler
Playwright-in-Residence - Clayton Goss
Howard Players President: ?
Excerpt from 1971/72 College of Fine Arts Annual Report
Pg. 9...The goal of the College of Fine Arts is to give expression to the black heritage of music, form and drama; to share in the creation and propagaion of a black esthetic. This is not a negation of European values; it is, rather, an affirmation of black values, and a recognition of te fact that truths in beauty have been and cocntinue to be revealed to all men of all times in all places. We are frankly resentful that black contributions have been omitted from the annals of history; we are, therefore, insistent that this omission be rectified, and that hte college of Fine Arts assume leadership toward this objective.
Fall Semester 1971 (no season theme)
CEREMONIES IN DARK OLD MEN by Lofton Mitchell
Directed by ?
Date: October 1971
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
FIVE EVENINGS OF STUDENT WORK
Date: October 19 - 23, 1971
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
MEGO AND THE BALL OF FREEDOM by Ron Milner
Directed by David W. Cameron
ANDREW by Cay Goss
Directed by Stan Jones
CLARAS OL MAN by Ed Bullins
Directed by Constance Thomas
FOUR NIGGERS by Debbie Wood
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 10-15-1971" (1971). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 30. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/3
FIVE EVENINGS OF STUDENT WORK
Date: October 19 - 23, 1971
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
ONE MAN SHOWS (Acting Area)
Breena Clarke
Pat Clement
Bernie Gibson
Constance Thomas
POETS (Acting Area)
Ralph Johnson
Eugene Miller
Peter Karefasmat
Pat Walker
Debbie Wood
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 10-15-1971" (1971). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 30. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/30
Mike Malone and Debbie Allen: Workshops for Careers in the Arts
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 10-1-1971" (1971). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 28. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/28
Spring Semester 1972 (no season theme)
MARS: A Tribute to the Last Black Eunuch written by Clay Goss (Playwright-in-residence.)
Directed by Eric Hughes
Date: February 1972
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Experimental Theatre was launched by the students. This theatre enables students to actively participate in all phases of the theatre, not only in their specialties.
Playwright in Residence - Clay Goss
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 2-11-1972" (1972). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 41. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/41
Excerpt from 1971/72 College of Fine Arts Annual Report, Department of Drama section
Pg. 43...The major goals of the Department o Drama are to provide (1) superior undergraduate and graduate professional training in theatre for Black students and (2) theatre experiences related to their need, interests, culture and life styles for the Black minority. The objectives to be achieved in realizing these goals are:
the strengthening of the undergraduate program
the establishment of a graduate program leading to the M.F.A. degree
the establishment of an affiliated repertory theatre company
the establishment of a children's theatre
The current program of the Department is limited to undergraduate training administered by a staff of eight full time and two part time teachers and one full time secretary and is supported by a budget of $133,656.25.
Pg. 44...Success in achievement of University goals is in great part dependent upon the faculty. Administrative efforts have been directed toward building a stronger faculty. This has been accomplished by securing better qualified personnel to fill vacancies as they occur. Much more needs to be accomplished in this area, In recognition of this fact requests have been made in the five year budget projection for 2 professors, 2 associate professors, 2 assistant professors, 5 instructors and appropriate supporting personnel. Additional funds have also been requested in support of an expanded production program and enlargement of physical facilities.
Students are encourage to take an active role in the planning of the Department's program; they have provided valuable input regarding teaching effectiveness, course organization, program direction, etc.
Pg. 45...The Experimental Theatre was initiated. This project, conceived, organized and directed by students, is an important adjunct to regular class and production activities and provides a laboratory where student playwrights, directors, actors and technicians can work cooperatively but independent of faculty supervision. The department graduated 19 student in 197-72.
1970/1971 - Sam Wright, Coordinator, Department of Drama
1970/1971 - Sam Wright, Coordinator, Department of Drama
Acting Dean: Mark Fax, College of Fine Arts
Major: B. F. A. in Drama
Areas of Concentration: Dramatic Literature, Directing and Production, Acting, Design, Technical Production and Lighting
Staff: one full time secretary
Faculty:
Professor - none
Associate Professor - James Butcher
Assistant Professor - Glenda Dickerson, Alvan Mike Malone
Instructor - St. Clair Christmas, Vera J. Katz, Ronald E. Truitt
Lecturer P/T - Paul Allen, Eleanor Traylor, Alberta Wheeler
Howard Players President: ?
There is no 1970/1971 College of Fine Arts annual report. Fine Arts and Drama Department productions have been reconstructed from articles in the Hilltop and other research sources.
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 9-25-1970" (1970). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 1. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/1
Pull quotes from Acting Dean Mark Fax:
"We intend to use talent wherever we find it," Dean Fax stated when discussing the changes in the Drama Department.
The department has no head (chair) because Dr. Fax wants to keep a "fluid situation to literally see what will happen."
He mentioned Clay Goss a student who has been appointed Playwright-in-Residence and will instruct some drama courses. "Mr. Goss is talented and has recognition." Dean Fax stated.
Samuel Wright is the coordinator of the department. Robert West and St. Clair Christmas, both Howard graduates, have been added to the Drama faculty, showing that "the accent is on youth," as Dr. Fax stated.
"I question the concept of what constitutes a faculty. Who should teach the Arts? Artists of course," Dean Fax said.
Dr. Fax was the Administrative Assistant to Dean Lawson and head of the Department of Applied Music. He was born in Baltimore and graduated from Douglass High School there.
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 10-30-1970" (1970). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 6. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/6
Fall Semester 1970 (no season theme)
THE UNWRITTEN SONG: REFLECTIONS IN BLACK VOICES written and Directed by Glenda Dickerson
Date: Dec. 8-13, 1970
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
NEW Department Coordinator: Sam Wright
In 1960 Samuel Augustus Wright was a freshman at Howard interested in Technical Theatre. In 1962 Sam's parents took him out of Howard. He finished his undergrad in Chicago and later earned a masters from Yale.
West, Bob. On being a Howard Player. Self-published Essay. 1996
Former Drama student but not an alum, Sam Wright is named Coordinator of the Department of Drama in fall 1970
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 10-9-1970" (1970). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 3. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/3
Fall 1970 the Department of Drama creation of the...
THE ALDRIDGE THEATRE COMPANY
The Aldridge Theatre Company, a new organization on the Howard University Campus, with the Howard Drama Department, will open its 1970-71 season with an evening of plays entitled "Changes" , three plays for Elegba. The plays are "Ornette" and "Being Hit" by Clay Goss, Howards new playwright in residence, and the third play, "Dr. B.s.Black", by Carlton Molette, faculty member at Spellman College Theatre Department in Atlanta.
Opening Tuesday, October 27th for one week only through Sunday, November 1st, evening performances are at 8pm with Matinees Saturday and Sunday at 3pm. General Admission evenings is $2.25 with student tickets at $1.25, matinees $1.75 with student prices at 75 cents. The Aldridge Theatre Company is a new organization of students and professionals from the community on and off Howard's campus who have assigned themselves the task of bringing the best in Black Theatre to the Washington Community.
It is the intent of this company to forge an amalgamation of students at Howard studying theatre with active professional theatre personnel from the local area and from the nation at large. The productions in this series will be tailored not only to play at the Aldridge Theatre on the campus but to travel to the surrounding community. "Ornette" and "Being Hit" are two soul pieces dealing in flashback style with a musician who is dying from drugs and the life trouble of the boxer Holly Mimes respectively.
Spring Semester 1971 (no season theme)
EL HAJJ MALIK
Date: March 10 – 14, 1971
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
THE BLACKS written by Jean Genet directed by Vera J. Katz
Date: April 27 - May 2, 1971
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Design: Mike Malone, Choreographer. St. Clair Christmas, Costume Design. Gregory King, Lighting Design. Oscar Harrison, Assistant Director
December 1970 The Hilltop
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 12-11-1970" (1970). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 11. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/11
March 1971 The Hilltop
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 3-5-1971" (1971). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 17. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/17
April 1971 The Hilltop
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 4-23-1971" (1971). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 22. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/22
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 3-19-1971" (1971). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 19. https://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/19
Do you think there should be white instructors at Howard?
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 10-4-1968" (1968). The Hilltop: 1960-70. 178. https://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_196070/178
April 1971 The Hilltop
Staff, Hilltop, "The Hilltop 4-2-1971" (1971). The Hilltop: 1970-80. 21. http://dh.howard.edu/hilltop_197080/21
CLICK HERE to review 1990 -1980 Theatrical Production History
Please note, this research site is not a comprehensive report on all Department of Theatre Arts performance/workshop/symposia/masterclass presentations. Nor is it comprehensive for all Howard Players performance presentations. Nor is this a comprehensive report on the Dance area performance/workshop/masterclass presentations. The research continues.
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