This Handbook has been designed to help you gain the most from your education within the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts at the University of Wisconsin –River Falls. It is intended as a resource regarding general information, policies, procedures, expectations, and requirements of the Theatre Program.
The Theatre Major is a liberal arts degree that will train students to use theatre as a tool for learning about culture, communication, creativity, and performance.
Department of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts
Majors: Communication Studies, Theatre Arts, Digital Film and Television.
Co-curricular Student Organizations
University Theatre, Masquers, Alpha Psi Omega, Forensics, Focus Productions, NCASC (National Communication Association Student Club)
Margaret M. Swanson (1980) Professor
BA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
MA, PhD, University of Minnesota
Courses include: Theatre History, Acting, Playwrights of Color, Directing
KFA 122 425-3115 margaret.l.swanson@uwrf.edu
Robin E. Murray (1987) Professor
BS, Oklahoma City University
MFA, University of Oklahoma
DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Courses include: Costume Design, History of Fashion, Stage Make-up, Children's Theatre and Puppetry
KFA B23 425-3097 robin.e.murray@uwrf.edu
James A. Zimmerman (1984) Professor
BS, Dickinson State College
MFA, University of Southern Illinois
Courses include: Acting, Oral Interpretation, Playwriting, Musical Theatre, Mass Communication
KFA 121 425-4288 james.a.zimmerman@uwrf.edu
Kenneth W. Stofferahn (1987) Professor
BS, MA, South Dakota State University
MFA, University of Virginia
Director of Theatre
Courses include: Design for Theatre, Stage Lighting, Stage Technology and Scene Painting, Arts and Stage Management, Film Courses, Introduction to Theatre
KFA B2 425-3101 kenneth.w.stofferahn@uwrf.edu
Kay Corey, Academic Department Program Associate
KFA B24 425-3971 kay.corey@uwrf.edu
Denise Baker, Costume Designer and Costume Shop Supervisor
KFA B3 425-3096 denise.k.baker@uwrf.edu
Paula Vogler, Box Office
KFA 135 425-3114
KFA B24
UW-River Falls
410 S. Third Street
River Falls, WI 54022-5001
715-425-3971
Faculty, Staff, and organizations have mailboxes in the main department office. KFA B25. These are used for sending and receiving messages.
Call Boards at located in two areas of KFA: one in the hallway outside the Green Room KFA B19 and the hallway outside KFA119. These are strictly for the use by University Theatre and Student Theatre Organizations. This is where the production calendar, rehearsal reports, audition notices, cast list, field trip sign up and other important information is located. There is also an information board outside the green room that is used for non essential information such as job postings and graduate schools.
Costume Shop Bulletin Board: The Costume Shop Bulletin Board is located outside the costume shop and is to be utilized for notices pertinent to work in the Costume Shop.
Scene Shop Bulletin Board: The Scene Shop Bulletin Board is located outside the scene shop and is to be utilized for notices pertinent to work in the Scene Shop.
At the beginning of each academic year a Production Calendar will be posted on the Green Room callboard. Please examine this calendar carefully. It will contain important information, dates, and deadlines. Note especially dates and times of scheduled auditions, performances, and any other required activities. If and when changes need to be made on the Calendar, announcements will be made and notices will be posted.
All telephone numbers are area code 715:
Other useful UW - River Falls telephone numbers:
The Department maintains a listserv dedicated to Theatre business. Every Theatre major will automatically be subscribed to the list after submitting his or her address to the Program Assistant. Messages sent to this address will be posted to everyone on the list. Keep this in mind when replying to messages from the listserv. If you want to send a private message to an individual, send it to that person's e-mail address not to the listserv. The listserv is reserved for departmental and production oriented messages. All theatre majors should acquire an e-mail account and check it regularly for important information.