CLOCK PHOTO / CARLY RISTUCCIA
The Silver Center is currently displaying a new exhibit that celebrates 30 years of the PSU theatre program. The display is set up like a timeline, with photographs and playbills from past productions. “We tend to think chronologically,” said Matt Kizer, curator of the exhibit and Professor of Theatre at PSU. “We tend to mark our lives by the shows that we do.” The exhibit showcases work in costuming, lighting, stage design, and other aspects of production, showcasing the tremendous amount of work that has been put into all of the shows. “You’re really just seeing a tiny sliver here,” said Kizer.
Materials for the exhibit were obtained from the Lamson Library’s archives and from Charles Combs, who worked at PSU from 1977 to 1990 and helped establish the theatre major in 1983. Before then, the college only had Plymouth Players, which was an extracurricular activity. “[It] had a long and successful history of extra-curricular theatre production,” said Combs.
The department has grown since 1983. The faculty has become closer. Technology has changed, and so has the venue. Productions used to be held in a black box studio theatre before the Silver Center was built, which went under construction in 1990 and was finished two years later.
There are some things that will never change about the theatre department. “[It’s] very friendly. Very positive, friendly, creative atmosphere,” said Combs. Dedication on behalf of students and faculty has made the department a success. “They all have a passion for it,” said Kizer. “Theatre is in [their] blood.”