Harvey M. Powers

Professor of English, Director of Theatre 1949 – 1987

In 1949, the first theatre faculty member, Harvey M. Powers, is hired in the English Department.  Professor Powers teaches the first fully accredited courses in acting; directing; and theatre history and criticism.  The theatre concentration within the English Major is developed with the inclusion of Shakespeare and dramatic literature courses taught by several English professors. By 1976, the theatre major is established within the English Department.  Fellow English Professors Anthony Gosse and Dennis Baumwoll sometimes act in Cap and Dagger plays.  The interdisciplinary connections across for the campus community flourish.  The Department of Theatre is established in 1985 and becomes The Department of Theatre and Dance in 1986.  

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Guest artist residencies and guest directors were essential to the vitality of the Theatre Program.  A sampling from this early period is impressive and speaks to Bucknell’s support for the performing arts and the professional connections of Harvey M. Powers and his colleagues.  

Etienne De Croix – Mime

Lucia Victor – Director

Alan Schneider – Director

Jean Rosenthal – Lighting Designer

Tharon Musser – Lighting Designer

Nananne Porcher – Lighting Designer

Oliver Smith –  Set Designer

Fernando Arrabal – Playwright

Leonard Malfi – Playwright

Edward Albee – Playwright

Judith Anderson – Actress

Jack Palance – Actor

Richard Waring – Actor

Michael Miller – Actor

Joe Chaikin – Actor

Ellen Stewart – Director

Vincent Price – Actor

Eric Bentley – Critic

Megan Terry – Playwright

Judith Jameson – Dancer

Alvin Ailey – Dancer

Arnold Moss – Actor

Edward Viella – Dancer

Earl Wilson, Jr. – Composer/Playwright/Performer

Siobhan McKenna – actor

Emlyn Williams – Actor/Playwright

David Hare – Playwright

Open Theater Acting Company

Performance Group – Spaulding Gray, Elizabeth LeCompte