Herrick Theatre 50 Years of Production: A Legacy of Drama and Innovation at Albion College

Founding, Design, and Early Performances

The Herrick Theatre opened its doors on October 3, 1975, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Albion College’s performing arts. Funded by Ray and Hazel Herrick, philanthropists behind the Tecumseh Products Company, the theatre was the first dedicated performance space on campus built expressly for the theatre department. With a $500,000 commitment from the Herrick Foundation, the building’s design combined modern acoustics with an intimate black‑box feel, enabling students and faculty to experiment with a wide range of staging techniques.

Its inaugural production, Noel Coward’s Private Lives, directed by Helen H. Manning, set a high standard for the kind of creative work that would become a hallmark of the theatre’s legacy. From that point forward, the venue hosted a steady stream of productions that spanned classic plays, contemporary drama, experimental projects, and student‑written works.

Evolving Production Landscape Over Five Decades

One of the most compelling aspects of the Herrick Theatre’s history is its willingness to adapt. In the 1980s and 1990s, the department expanded its repertoire to include bilingual plays, socially conscious works, and collaborations with local community groups. Notable productions such as The Elephant Man (1987), Othello (1992), and the student‑written New Beginnings (1999) drew large audiences from across the region and bolstered the programme’s reputation for excellence.

The turn of the millennium ushered in a technological boom; the department installed state‑of‑the‑art lighting and sound systems, allowing for more ambitious stagecraft. The 2005 production of In the Heights showcased the upgraded facilities, while the 2010 original drama Beyond the Horizon highlighted Albion’s capacity to produce fresh, unpublished scripts.

Impact on Students and the Broader Community

Theatre education at Albion is more than just performance practice; it is a gateway to critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural literacy. Over 500 alumni have graced the stage at the Herrick Theatre and gone on to careers in acting, directing, stage management, and production design.

• Professional Development: Alumni such as Lisa Thompson (class of ’93) now work as associate directors for regional Broadway productions, crediting their undergraduate experience as pivotal in shaping their artistic vision.
• Community Engagement: Productions frequently partner with local schools and non‑profit organizations, offering workshops that inspire young artists and promote the arts in underserved neighborhoods.
• Research Opportunities: Graduate students in the department contribute to academic discourse through research on performance studies, dramaturgy, and theater history, published in peer‑reviewed journals.

During the 2020‑2021 season, the department pivoted to hybrid performances, integrating online streaming to maintain audience access amid the pandemic. That initiative kept the theatre’s reach global and demonstrated the resilience and adaptability that has defined the Herrick Theatre for 50 years.

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary: Highlights and Reflections

The fall semester of 2025 offered a special tribute event: a retrospective showcase featuring clips from landmark productions, interviews with alumni, and a panel discussion on the future of theater education.

Future‑oriented projects announced during the anniversary include a new scholarship fund dedicated to supporting underrepresented students in drama, and plans to digitize the theatre’s production archive, preserving scripts, set drawings, and costume sketches for educational use.

Key Takeaway: Preservation Through Innovation

By combining technological upgrades with meticulous archival efforts, Albion College ensures that the Herrick Theatre’s legacy continues to inspire new generations while maintaining the highest standards of theatrical production.

How to Get Involved and Take the Next Step

Albion College’s theatre program welcomes aspiring performers, directors, designers, and technicians. Whether you’re a freshman brainstorming your first stage role or a senior planning a career portfolio, the theatre offers a supportive, collaborative environment to hone your craft.

Program Overview

The department offers a major, a minor, and a range of electives in acting, directing, playwriting, and technical theatre. State‑of‑the‑art facilities include the Herrick Theatre, a dedicated design studio, and a rehearsal space equipped with advanced lighting and sound equipment.

Students benefit from proactive faculty mentorship, the chance to write and stage their own plays, and opportunities to work closely with professional guest artists.

Call to Action: Explore Albion College Theatre Program

Explore the theatre curriculum and find out how Albion College can help shape your artistic career.

Call to Action: Apply to Join Our Theatre Department Today

Interested in turning passion into profession? Submit your application today and start a journey that merges study with stage practice.

Call to Action: Get in Touch for More Information

Have questions about audition requirements or course specifics? Contact Albion College’s admission office for detailed guidance.

Call to Action: Share Your Theatre Memories in the Comments

We invite alumni and current students to share stories or memories of performances that shaped their college experience. Visit our news and events page to see how your story might inspire future performers.

Call to Action: Visit our Campus for a Guided Tour

Discover the theatre’s historic architecture and modern production facilities up close. Schedule a campus visit and see why the Herrick Theatre remains an academic landmark.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Theatre at Albion College

Building on the strength of its 50‑year legacy, Albion College continues to invest in innovative projects that expand the reach of the theatre program. Planned initiatives include:

• Partnering with the university’s art and digital media departments to create immersive, multimedia productions.
• Launching workshops on alternative staging formats such as site‑specific and interactive performances.
• Expanding the mentorship program to connect students with seasoned professionals in the performing arts industry.

These projects underscore a broader commitment: to nurture a generation of artists who are not only performers but also cultural leaders who use the stage to explore and interrogate the world around them.

Final Thoughts

The Herrick Theatre’s 50th anniversary is not just a celebration of past accomplishments; it is a reaffirmation of Albion College’s dedication to fostering creativity, community engagement, and academic excellence. By preserving its historical archives, embracing technological innovation, and investing in education, the theatre promises a vibrant future for the next cohort of actors, directors, designers, and scholars.