Theater-By-The-Grove (TBTG) is a production company run by the Department of Theater and Dance at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, Pennsylvania. The Mainstage and Studio Theaters in Waller Hall are the primary performance venues for TBTG, with the annual musical sometimes performed in Fisher Auditorium, a performing arts center next door. TBTG was founded to allow students the opportunity to be a part of several fully realized productions each year, creating a collaborating, nurturing and supportive environment, and challenging the work of students, who are being taught professionally.
Contents
- History
- Waller Hall
- Fisher Auditorium
- Notable Alumni
- Invited Shows
- Irene Ryan Acting Competition
- Barbizon Award in Lighting Design
- Barbizon Award in Costume Design
- National LMDA Dramaturgy Award
- National Award in Sound Design
- Stage Director and Choreographers Competition Winner
- National Award in Scene Design
- References
In 1995, TBTG became fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the only accrediting body for theater in higher education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
History
Theater-by-the-Grove was first seen on campus under the auspices of “Summer Theater Program,” an educational opportunity fully staffed by students. It was at that time a part of Swing Out; a big musical coordinated by the English and Music Department starting in 1947. TBTG then became part of the regular academic year as an extension of the English department. In 1977, President Robert Wilburn made the decision to separate drama from the English department, and created the Department of Theater. The company has embraced a professional model which includes guest artists, who teach the students work ethic and theater arts. Over the years, the students have been taught by many faculty and staff members, they include: Don Eisen, Mal Bowes, Lynn Lockrow, Rose Moreland, Barb Blackledge, Ed Simpson, Debra Dutkiewicz, Patrick McCreary, Mark Zetterberg, Tom Ault, Brian Jones, Annie-Laurie Wheat, Holly Boda-Sutton, Rob Gretta, Larry West, David Tabish, Lisa Ann Goldsmith, Rick Kemp, Jason Chimonides, Joan Van-Dyke, Valerie Liberta, Katherine Garlick, Jeannie-Marie Brown, Michael Schwartz, Cheryl Randal, Corey Lunchuck, Karen Pizarchik, Toni Apryasz, Carrie Cole, April Daras, Marc Epstein, Annie Laurie Wheat, Patty Lommock, John Gresh, Molly Simpson, Donna Hood, Regina Minser, Judy Holliday and Lane Frigamelli.
Waller Hall
Waller Hall was originally the IUP gymnasium, and did not become a fully functioning theater building until 1988. It was completely renovated from a gym with a makeshift theater, into its current state—with two fully functional theaters. The Main Stage Theater is a flexible “Black Box” performance space with the ability to seat up to 240 people in Proscenium, Thrust, Arena, and Alley. The smaller Studio Theater is home to most of the student-driven TBTG Acorn Projects. The studio is equipped with a basic sound and light board, and can seat up to 60 people.
Fisher Auditorium
Fisher Auditorium was built in 1939 and serves the community and campus of IUP as the premier fine arts performance and event facility. With a seating capacity of 1,460, this art-deco style facility was renovated in 2008. The renovation provided a 20,000-square-foot addition with improved audience and performance amenity spaces, and is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, and increased production conveniences. With the new addition, Fisher Auditorium and Waller Hall are joined together to form IUP’s Performing Arts Center.