If you saw The Wolves, Henry V or Everybody here in Glaize Studio Theatre, you witnessed a unique kind of magic. Every set piece, costume,and prop was resourced and built entirely by the actors on stage. For years, these "unsupported" endeavors carved out a gritty, self-reliant identity alongside Shenandoah Conservatory’s main stage musicals and operas. While our technical teams focused on grand-scale productions, the acting program used this slot to answer one question: How do we tell a powerful story using only the ingenuity of the performers?
By applying what they learned in design and lab classes, our students proved they could create fully realized worlds through sheer teamwork. To sustain this momentum, we have transformed this "ensemble-first" approach into a formal pillar of our training. Under the blueprint draft and guidance of Professor Kit Wilder, students now learn to lead, resource and work in committees to build a show from the ground up.
Central to this structure, the theatre design and production department, provides two dedicated stage managers for the slot. These individuals serve as the vital bridge between the actors’ creative output and the technical requirements of the space, ensuring that the collective’s vision is executed with precision and safety.
The Actors’ Collective is rooted in the professional history of our acting faculty. It is inspired by the early days of Professor Wilder’s City Lights Theater, Professor Hudson’s LAByrinth Theater and Professor Trump’s Shepherdstown Theatre. As young artists, we didn’t wait for a big budget; we gathered with fellow actors, used whatever we could find and made the show happen through collective will. We are now passing that spirit of independence to our students.
Tonight’s performance of Our Lady of 121st Street is the result of that evolution. These students have moved beyond "acting the play" to acting as a collective — realizing every production value you see, including the crucifix designed and built by ensemble member Wyatt Moore.
They are no longer just performers; they are the resourceful producers of this $600-budget miracle. By being here, you aren’t just watching a play — you are witnessing the emergence of a true artistic powerhouse.