University Minstrel Troupe. Program. [Charlottesville: n.p., 1886].

Regional Theatre in Virginia

University of Virginia Drama I

When the University of Virginia opened its doors in 1825, the curriculum for the schools of Ancient Languages and of Moral Philosophy included the study of classical dramatic literature, rhetoric, and belles-lettres. As the nineteenth century progressed, various literary societies developed within the student body. Some of these organizations provided dramatic presentations, but little is noted of traditional theatre being performed by University students. However, students did contribute to the audiences of the local Charlottesville theatres and public halls.

Photograph of UVA student drama presentation, by J. T. Wampler. Charlottesville, [1890s].

From the Papers of Archer Anderson.

The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries saw a rise in student musical and dramatic clubs, including the Arcadians, Punch and Julep, and perhaps the most successful, The Virginia Players. Organized in 1924, The Virginia Players included not only students but also other members of the University community. Four years after its inception, the group came under the sponsorship of the newly created Division of Dramatic Art in the McIntire School of Fine Arts and became the official theatrical production company of the University. In 1945, the Division of Dramatic Art combined with the School of Speech to form the Department of Speech and Drama, which lasted until 1973, when the present Department of Drama was created.

Cabell Hall and later Minor Hall provided early theatre settings until the construction of the current Drama building in 1973. This space includes two theatres, which serve as venues for numerous department productions during the academic year. In addition, the building houses the Heritage Repertory Theatre over the summer months. The University of Virginia and Charlottesville community continues to be enriched, challenged, and educated by the quality theatrical presentations offered on grounds, while the nation’s theatrical community benefits from the students who pursue careers in the performing arts at the University and beyond.

The University of Virginia student writes to his father, describing a traveling theatre company’s outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s plays in the open space between the Rotunda and the Chapel:

Friday afternoon and night the University community had a rare treat. Ben Greet & his Woodland Players presented the Comedy of Errors and Mid-Summers Night’s Dream the first in the afternoon & the latter at night in the open space between the Rotunda & the chapel. The background or rather the three sides of the stage were made of evergreens filling in the places between the trees already there—I thought this the proper time & so blew myself to the extent of a general admission ticket to each performance. And I never spent money better in my life I don’t believe taking all in all I ever saw anything in the line of stage performances that came anywhere near to the Midsummer Night’s Dream.