Home for the Holidays

The cast and crew of Antigone (plus a few friends of the theater) assembled to help Alumna Charlotte '12 on a international scavenger hunt. The challenge was to have at least 15 people play a game of Twister at the same time - and every contestant had to wear a different color. How did they do? Check out the previous post!

Buildings have a life of their own. When we were building the Copeland Donahue, we knew what it would look like, what facilities it would have and how big it would be. But we had no idea how it would feel. During construction, it was impossible to know the effect it would have on those working, engaging and performing in the space.

I remember my first walk-through in July of 2008. The impact of the lofty ceiling, the dramatic wood doors and the views of oak and pine trees were both evocative and inspiring. Suddenly there was so much possibility - the building promised so much more than we could have possibly conceptualized as we were designing it.


It influenced and enriched my classroom teaching in ways I never imagined. It created an alternative performance space that allowed us to try unusual and unorthodox pieces. And most importantly, it gave Webb's actors and theater technicians a place to call their own.

Charlotte '12 and John '11 chill out before rehearsal.

One of my greatest Webb moments was the 2012 WSC graduation. I was in my seat, waiting for the ceremony to begin, when I looked over the Alamo lawn to see theater Alums (from as far back as 2008) chatting with the recently recently and not-yet graduated theater kids, who were introducing them to the new batch of actors and stage crew. It was a joyous sight, for at that moment I realized that the theater department wasn't just an "afternoon activity" or a clique. We had become a family. A family with traditions, a history and a home. 

One of the greatest things about having a home is the homecomings.

Charlotte '12 returns to visit Mallory '13 and Jack '13 on the opening night of Antigone

Tyler '11 meets Marcus '16 on a recent visit

Sabrina '09 shares stage manager tips with Alicia '14

It's fun to see familiar faces return to the Copeland Donahue throughout the year, but it's extra-special during the holiday season. 

Diana '12 and Dakota '11 return from the East Coast to catch up with Vicky '14 and Jack '13. 

3 Generations of Lady Techies: Sabrina '09 (in red) was our first student stage manager and was instrumental in developing our current technical theater program. Her legacy carries on in the capable hands of Storm '14 (shop foreperson), Brooklyn '15 (sound and lighting) and Michelle '15 (stage manager). Back in 2008, Sabrina built that lamppost for our production of Les Miserables. 

The Old Guard: Jack, Diana, Dakota,Vicky enjoy a reunion while newbies Marcus '16, Brooklyn '15, Amelia '16, Rena '15, Keely '16 and Karina '15 hang around and get to know them.

We took a few of our Alums (along with the cast and crew of The 39 Steps) to have one last look at Mudd. Having spent so many hours there during their time at Webb, they wanted to take a piece of it with them.  Foreman Kenny obliged us by removing the letters from the building. (Photo by Scott Nichols)

Tim '13, Ella '12 and Mallory '13 prepare to grab a few memories (Photo by Scott Nichols)

Letter Perfect: Mallory ('13)  and Ella ('12) hold onto a bit of Webb theater history (Photo by Scott Nichols)

Sabrina claims the "M"
(Photo by Scott Nichols)

I got the "U" - because that's what I managed to pry off the wall
(Photo by Scott Nichols)

Varsity Letters (finally!): Cast and crew - past and present - hold their bit of history.  
          Marcus, Ella, Tinnie '13, Storm, Vicky, Mallory, Tim, Sabrina, Landen '13, Jack, Rena and Brooklyn.

As the song says, there's no place like home for the holidays. We wrapped up the year by holding our annual "Secret Santa" exchange - a tradition started by stage manager Ellie Rudolph '11.

Tech Director Alex and his pal Robbie top our tree as only theater dudes can - with a lighting wrench!

2012 has been fantastic - but now the (much needed) break is here! So...from our home to yours, we wish you a joyous, festive (and yes, FABULOUS) holiday season. See you in 2013!