George Fox University Theatre History: A Legacy of Faith and Artistic Excellence
George Fox University, a private Christian university in Newberg, Oregon, boasts a rich history in theatre, deeply intertwined with its founding principles and commitment to integrating faith and artistic expression. From its origins as a Quaker school in 1891 to its current status as the largest private university in Oregon, George Fox has consistently fostered a vibrant theatrical community.
The Evolution of George Fox University
Founded in 1891, the institution underwent several name changes, starting as Friends Pacific Academy (1885-1891), then Pacific College (1891-1949), and later George Fox College (1949-1996). In 1996, the college merged with Western Evangelical Seminary to become George Fox University, solidifying its position as a leading Christian institution of higher learning. This evolution reflects the university's ongoing commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to providing a holistic education rooted in Christian values.
A Theatre Program Rooted in Faith and Art
The George Fox University theatre program emphasizes a broad-based understanding of theatre, creating formational experiences for all students. The program views the stage as a public classroom and the culmination of academic work. The university presents two to three mainstage shows a year, one of which is typically a musical. In addition, the university hosts a variety of student-led second stage shows, student-directed scenes, and other theatrical performance opportunities. These productions provide students with invaluable opportunities to hone their skills, explore their creativity, and engage with audiences in meaningful ways.
According to Ben, theatre is for everyone, and stories are enriched when told with a diverse group of people.
Experiential Learning and Design
George Fox offers a comprehensive theatre experience, including stagecraft classes that expose students to the magic of scenery construction, color mixing, and lighting design. The experiential design studio allows students to delve into scenic, light, sound, costume, and projection design. This hands-on approach ensures that students gain practical skills and a deep understanding of the technical aspects of theatre production.
Read also: George Mason University Baseball
Wood-Mar Auditorium: A Hub for Performance
Wood-Mar Auditorium, a 253-seat space, serves as the primary venue for theatre productions, guest lectures, and other student events. This space provides a professional setting for students to showcase their talents and engage with the broader university community. If you’ve seen a theatre production at George Fox, you’re familiar with Wood-Mar Auditorium.
Epiphany Ensemble: Servant Storytelling on Tour
For more than 30 years, the Epiphany ensemble has carried on a tradition of bringing thought-provoking drama to schools, churches, and prisons. Formerly known as University Players, Epiphany is a touring theatre troupe featuring actors as well as singer/songwriters. Epiphany is a group of actors, musicians, writers, and storytellers, exploring stories of faith through performance. The group's performances are winsome, powerful, and worshipful.
Integrating Faith and Art: A Core Principle
My theatre professors were so intentional about teaching us that our art and faith are combined. When you grow in your art you grow in life. I have discovered that that is very true because the more I dove into theatre and learned new things the more I was able to make those faith and art connections that I didn’t know existed. The theatre program is committed to servant storytelling within a community dedicated to integrating faith and artistic excellence. This commitment is reflected in the curriculum, the productions, and the overall culture of the department.
Notable Figures and Alumni
Associate professor of theatre Rhett Luedtke was one of three faculty members nationally to receive a National Directing Fellow Award from the John F. Kennedy Center. Since graduating from the university with a bachelor’s degree in theatre in 2011, Ben has been active on the stage and screen throughout the Northwest as an actor, while also working extensively in ministry and as a singer-songwriter. Ben has also worked as the music director at local schools, as well as a guest teacher and lecturer, including at George Fox. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, he did two years of graduate study for a master’s degree in biblical and theological studies at Western Seminary in Portland (2015-17).
A Commitment to Community and Diversity
The cast of Sense and Sensibility includes 10 community actors, several recent George Fox alumni and current students to make up a cast of 18. One participant stated, “I have been working for George Fox for about nine months, and I wanted to get more involved in the community. I also love theatre and have done several community theatre productions in the past, but it has been about seven years. I was itching to get back on stage."
Read also: Career Opportunities for George Mason Graduates
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
The last four years have brought about a great deal of change, and our theatre department has felt the effects of those changes deeply. But something about the culture of Fox’s theatre world keeps us from isolation.
A Look Back at "Sense and Sensibility"
The show opened Aug. matinee performance). Patrons are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on, as there will be sections for both. And if it says it is “sold out,” fear not! Among the gossips and British accents, there is a face you won’t be able to miss - that of Chelsea Janzen Williams, who plays Elinore Dashwood. “Austen isn't all tea and crumpets and empire waist dresses," she says.
Read also: George Soros: His life and work
tags: #george #fox #university #theatre #history
