A Stage for Dreams: The History of the Robsham Theater Arts Center at Boston College
The Robsham Theater Arts Center at Boston College stands as a testament to the university's enduring commitment to the dramatic arts. Its windows, reflecting banners of past productions and the bustling life around it, offer a glimpse into a rich history that extends far beyond the building's relatively recent completion in 1981. While the Robsham Theater Arts Center and the independent Theatre Department (established in 1993) might be considered modern additions to Boston College, the foundation upon which they stand is steeped in tradition, passion, and the unwavering dedication of students and faculty alike.
The Genesis of Drama at Boston College: The Dramatics Society
Even without a formal theater department for many years, Boston College fostered a vibrant dramatic tradition since its inception. Just two years after the university opened its doors in 1864, the Dramatics Society (DS) was founded. This student-led organization served as the primary theater-producing body at BC for nearly 130 years.
The Dramatics Society faced unique challenges in its early years, primarily due to Boston College's status as an all-male institution. This presented a peculiar problem: how to handle female roles? The solution, rather creatively, was to simply omit female characters altogether. An 1892 production of Macbeth, for example, featured neither Lady Macbeth nor Lady MacDuff in the cast.
As Boston College theater evolved, productions became more elaborate, programs grew more detailed and informative, and the presence of women began to be felt. While the Dramatics Society maintained its all-male cast until the early 1900s (eventually allowing men to play female roles starting in 1904), the Boston College Philomatheia Club, the university's female fundraising organization, collaborated with professors and the DS to produce musicals. These productions often featured female leads or a significant number of female characters, marking an important step towards greater inclusivity in BC theater.
Revitalization and the Quest for a Home: The Bonn Era
Although interest in campus theatricals waned during and after World War I, a resurgence occurred in the 1930s, spearheaded by John Louis Bonn, SJ. For over two decades, Bonn served as both director and moderator of the Dramatics Society, overseeing productions and the club's daily operations. His dedication sustained the DS through the challenges of World War II, inspired future luminaries such as Leonard Nimoy and Ed McMahon, and led to the establishment of the Summer School of Dramatic Arts and other related programs.
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Despite Bonn's efforts to elevate the standards of BC theater, performers still lacked a dedicated performance space. The Dramatics Society staged their shows wherever they could find an available venue, including an "Open Air Production" of The Comedy of Errors on Bapst Lawn in 1920.
The need for a proper theater was evident, which led professors Joseph M. Larkin, SJ, and J. P. Marcoux to champion the cause. They tirelessly petitioned the administration, designed the theater, and solicited funds for its construction, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the Robsham Theater Arts Center.
Robsham Rises: A Dedicated Space for the Dramatic Arts
The culmination of years of effort and advocacy came to fruition with the completion of the Robsham Theater Arts Center in 1981. In 1985, the space was formally named "Robsham" in honor of E. Paul Robsham, Jr., the deceased son of E. Paul and Joyce Robsham, who were major benefactors of the Theater’s construction. Their generous contributions ensured that Boston College students would finally have a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the performing arts.
The Robsham Theater Arts Center quickly became the heart of theater production on campus. As Howard Enoch, RTAC director from its beginning, reflected on Robsham’s 30th anniversary: "The Robsham Theater Arts Center holds a special place in the hearts of the Boston College community and is a treasured resource for many of our students".
The Birth of a Department: Elevating Theater to an Academic Discipline
While the Robsham Theater provided a much-needed performance venue, Boston College still lacked an independent theater department. The Dramatics Society, burdened by increasing demands, struggled to manage both its own productions and the growing number of faculty-led shows. In 1985, the Contemporary Theatre (CT) was founded to complement the classical productions of the DS, offering a platform for more modern and experimental works.
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The establishment of the Theatre Department in 1993 marked a significant milestone for the dramatic arts at Boston College. This transition elevated theater to an academic discipline, providing students with a comprehensive curriculum and faculty dedicated to the study and practice of theater.
In the early 1970s, the College of Arts and Sciences established a Theatre Major as part of the Department of Speech, Communications, and Theatre.
Since its inception, the Theatre Department, in collaboration with the Robsham Theater Arts Center, produces six plays annually, with four directed by faculty and two by students.
The Robsham Legacy: A Gift for Generations
The legacy of the Robsham family extends far beyond the theater's name. In a testament to their unwavering commitment to Boston College and its students, the estate of Joyce and Paul Robsham made an estimated $75 million gift to the university - the largest estate gift in its history. This extraordinary contribution provides funding for various BC priorities, including student scholarships, academic programming, facilities improvement, and the ongoing operation of the Robsham Theater Arts Center.
A key priority for the Robshams was expanding financial aid, given their belief in the power of education to change lives. They now provide financial aid for nearly 25 students each year. The funds from their estate establish new undergraduate scholarships for students studying the performing arts, as well as graduate fellowships for those pursuing counseling or school psychology. For graduate students, the Lynch School is creating a 60-credit program for those who aspire to serve as mental health counselors in urban settings. This program will provide students with the opportunity to train together, develop close peer relationships, and make a difference in the lives of Boston’s most vulnerable populations.
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Paul Robsham, who had originally enrolled in a graduate program at BC in the early 1950s but withdrew to serve in the Korean War, returned thirty years later to complete his master’s degree and became an active alumnus, serving multiple terms as a University Trustee. The Robshams’ gift also provides for major programming enhancements in psychology and theater, two disciplines that were close to Paul’s heart. Included are funds for ongoing operations, repair, and upkeep of the Robsham Theater.
As Robsham Estate Trustee Jack Downs affirmed, "Whatever assistance they could provide, they wanted to make sure it made the biggest impact possible for BC students".
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