Throughout Eastern’s history, many things have changed and grown. In honor of this year’s centennial celebrations, we thought it important to highlight not only Eastern’s past, but also its recent growth and future. Many students attending Eastern today probably do not realize, but theatre is a recent addition to the majors offered at Eastern.
Dr. Valerie Flower played a large role in the creation of the current theatre department. While Flower did not attend Eastern herself, she had the privilege of hearing Tony Campollo speak at multiple events while going to school at Taylor University. She says, “Tony spoke passionately about Jesus and the gospel in a way that resonated with me as a theatre artist with a heart for service. At the time I found it hard to reconcile a call to serve those most in need with a call to tell stories through theatre. Tony inspired me to sit with the cognitive dissonance and to keep finding connections between my two seemingly separate callings.”
After a quarter of a century and various jobs involving theatre and education, Flower found herself working “in North Philadelphia using theatre to help students at highest risk for leaving school.” Flower saw them “begin to re-imagine their world through the power of theatre and storytelling and [she saw her] dual callings finally come together.”
Ready to bring her experience back to a college classroom, Flower heard about a need for someone to “revitalize a new theatre program for Eastern.” She shares that “coming to Eastern was sort of like coming home.”
Flower’s arrival marked a revival in theatre at Eastern, but theatre was alive and well previous to her entrance. Theatre at Eastern started as a club and eventually turned into a minor before finally becoming a BA. Flower adds, “more traditional theatre in the form of musicals like “Godspell” and “Into the Woods” or plays like “The Crucible” have been produced over the years by a devoted group of Eastern [student] thespians. That evolved into the minor in theatre and eventually the full support of our administration to offer a BA in theatre as part of the Fine and Performing arts.”
While there was much excitement over the growth of the theatre department, Flower’s entrance to Eastern came just after the Covid-19 lockdown that put a stop to most arts, especially theatre performances. Flower explains, “students wanted theatre and wanted connection and belonging, but they just went through a rather harrowing pandemic that largely cancelled theatre, so when they stepped forward with me it was courageous.”
Flower notes that she was welcomed by Dr. Steven Ford, chair of the music department and executive director of the Fine and Performing Arts Division, as well as Professor Stephen Walsh, director of dance. Together, the three continue to grow Eastern’s arts programs.
The success of the current theatre department required what Flower describes a “dream team of faculty and staff.” This team includes Bethany Miller, program coordinator and resident costume designer and David Craig, technical director, production manager and resident scenic and lighting designer.
Since Flower’s entrance, Eastern has seen a growing number of majors and minors. In addition, there is a group referred to as “Friends of the theatre” of over 30 non-theatre major students and alumni who participate in productions, courses, festivals and workshops.
Looking forward, there is more growth to come. Flower shares, “Next year we hope to offer three areas of concentration within the major: performance, directing and musical theatre. We are in the process of applying for accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Theatre which will bring us national recognition.”
When asked about her motivations for putting in so much time and effort to Eastern’s theatre department, Flower says, “We need theatre in order to process our shared human experience…a community that values theatre values individual and collected stories, the power of imagination, beauty, empathy and so much more that is essential to maintaining a vibrant society.” But, ultimately, Flower is “Motivated as a follower of Christ. Christ taught unconditional compassion for our neighbors, their stories, through parables.”
One of Flower’s fondest memories of her time at Eastern was “Receiving a note from Tony [Campollo] following a performance of “What’s Saving My Life” at Swarthmore College last winter. The play showcased the writing of playwrights at a medium security prison where we now offer an associates degree in liberal arts,” Flower said. Campollo’s note “Was confirmation of God’s faithfulness and trusting what God places on our hearts.”
It is with this understanding of God’s unconditional compassion and faithfulness that Flower invites everyone to get involved with the theatre department. She says, “Come out and join a crew, build props, stage manage, act, direct, usher . . . even if you have no experience. Come make beautiful mistakes with us!” And if being a part of the performance isn’t for you, you can still be involved by going to performances. On March 15, there will be a Capstone Showcase “Featuring preparing to launch their theatre careers,” and on April 4-6, this year’s musical “Frog and Toad” will be performed. Whether acting, building, directing or simply watching, Eastern’s theatre department has something for everyone, and in the near future, it will have even more.
Adaelle Stobie 
Annika Pickard 
Colin Tomczak