Ohio University’s School of Theater

05/06/2026

A whole hearted thank you to retiring faculty 💚✨💚

We're sad to share the departure of a couple of outstanding members of our faculty here at OHIO. Daniel Denhart and Jeanette Buck will both be retiring at the conclusion of this spring semester. Both have been paragons of our teaching core for the cumulative decades they have dedicated to our department.

Daniel Denhart, Professor of Technical Design, has been the Head of the Technical Direction Program at Ohio University since 1986. Tenured in 2005, Dan has served on the National Conference committee for the United States Institute of Theater Technology since 1995 and is currently in his fourth term as VP Special Operations for USITT. Dan's deep institutional knowledge and wisdom has assisted countless set designers and technical directors find their future within the theater world, helping them (literally!) set the stage for some of the most highly regarded contemporary works we know today.

Jeanette Buck, Associate Professor of Instruction, Directing and Stage Management, has taught stage management, directing, playwriting, and screenwriting here at Ohio University for 20 years. In her time here, Jeanette has helped generations of directors and stage managers achieve success within our department and has been a steady hand guiding our MFA in Directing program to foster the next generation of theater directors.

We couldn't be more grateful to have been graced with both Dan's and Jeanette's presence in our faculty for as long as we've had them. We wish them the best of luck in their next chapter! ❤️

04/24/2026

The Ohio University Fringe Festival is here!!! 💚🎭💚

Come see students from all across our School of Theater put on amazing shows and show off their skills, today and tomorrow, across various venues on OHIO's campus!

Use the link in our bio or the QR code in the image above to learn more ⬆️

We hope to see you there!

04/22/2026

"Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona..."

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Romeo and Juliet!!! ✨🎭❤️✨

Our final show of the spring semester, this Shakespearean classic was brought to life with the intense, dedicated efforts of School of Theater students from all corners of our program.

Fight choreography, scenic design, lighting and audio, and even dance! It truly takes a village to make it come together, and we always love seeing our students have fun while they craft 💚💚💚

Take a bow, students!

Professional photography by Sarah Comer and Paige Weir 📸

04/16/2026

We had the absolute honor of hosting playwright Kira Rockwell on campus for the opening weekend of her play, Wicked Bitter Beast(s), here at OHIO! ✨✨✨

Kira Rockwell (she/her) is a playwright and Atlanta-based educator, originally from the heart of Texas. She was recently featured in the American Theatre Magazine as an artist to watch. Rockwell is a Fellow with the Mass Cultural Council, a recipient of the Judith Royer Excellence in Playwriting Award, Gene Gabriel Moore Playwriting Award, Second Place recipient of the Paula Vogel Playwriting Award, Three-time Finalist for the O’Neill, Runner-Up for the Princess Grace, and more.

During her time on campus, she observed the final rehearsals and opening night for Wicked Bitter Beast(s) and led a Lunchbag Q&A discussion attended by aspiring theater artists and playwright in our program.

Thank you, Kira! ❤️💚❤️

04/15/2026

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Wicked Bitter Beast(s) on a wonderful closing weekend! ✨🎸🦁

Written by Kira Rockwell and directed by third-year MFA directing candidate Sarah Curtis, Wicked Bitter Beast(s) was developed in part with Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Southern Writers Festival, and Working Title Playwrights. Through sharp wit and raw vulnerability, the story follows Zoey, as she battles not just monsters, but the rigid expectations of purity, obedience, and forgiveness that were never meant to fit her.

Check out some of the photos from this stellar production! ⬆️⬆️

📸 by James Hamilton

04/08/2026

It’s Giving Day!!! 💚✨💚✨

Today, Bobcats of every era are joining together to help us keep this special place moving forever forward. By donating to the School of Theater, you’ll be supporting the next generation of Bobcats achieve their highest artistic potential on stage 🎭❤️🎭

Click the link in our bio or check out the comments to donate directly to the School of Theater! ✨✨✨

04/07/2026

Calling all Bobcats! OHIO Giving Day is Wednesday, April 8. This year’s theme is “One Day. One OHIO”! Make a difference by giving to an org or fund that shaped your OHIO journey, or one that helps current Bobcats in theirs.

Visit givingday.ohio.edu, or use the link in our bio! 🎭⬆️

04/02/2026

Last week, the School of Theater presented Today, a movement play written by Charles Mee and directed by professor Rebecca VerNooy!✨☕🐰

Part of "the (re)making project," Today centers on stories of love and connection that touch us all in our individual lives, while pointing out how communal these experiences can be.

With this performance, students had the opportunity to utilize the skills they acquire during their movement training here at OHIO by crafting a deeply personal and vulnerable experience rooted in self-expression.

Check out some of the photos from the show to see this beautiful artistry ❤️

📸 by Emma Schroer

03/26/2026

After 42 years of teaching and service, Dan Denhart is retiring! Thank you, Dan, for everything over the years and we'll have more information about his retirement soon.

In the meantime, join us as our new TD!
https://www.ohiouniversityjobs.com/postings/56353?fbclid=IwY2xjawQyFoNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeqZaWM-iFqKUixpTUjQBpVF691mJnaDb_3s_GWlrfgh5epYS_O8wguR1HRIo_aem_t4jkWPpSP4ve-DanwrJJuA

Ohio University’s School of Theater seeks a visiting faculty member in Technical Direction to join us as we prepare to move into the dynamic Patton Center for Arts Education, a new building designed with a focus on the next generation of multi-discipline artists. With alumni working in arts indust...

02/19/2026

We are saddened to share news of the passing of School of Theater alumnus, the Honorable Judge William T. Newman.

Serving as a Judge of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 17th Judicial Circuit, Bill graduated from OHIO with a BFA in 1972 and had stayed connected to our community ever since. Whenever he was not serving on the bench, Bill worked as a professional actor.

In 2022, he was awarded an Ohio University Medal of Merit Award and was the OHIO undergraduate commencement speaker in 2024. When he visited the School of Theater in 2024, he spoke with our students about his acting, civic leadership, and advocacy. He also was reunited with his former acting professor Denny Dalen.

Last year, a group of School of Theater students and alumni traveled to Washington, D.C., to see him in Mosaic Theater's production of The Art of Care. We've included some stills from that production in this post.

Most of all, we want to take the time to remember him as fierce advocate, a passionate educator, and a truly kind man.

We send our condolences to his family, and to the extended School of Theater community.