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Production History

Pacific Bible Institute—the 1940s and 50s

The story of Fresno Pacific Theater begins shortly after the school was established as Pacific Bible Institute in 1944. Dramatic sketches played an early part in campus worship. In 1955, PBI started offering a regular dramatics course, followed later by a course in dramatic production. Students could learn stagecraft, “poise and self-confidence” alongside their Bible, church history and ministry courses. PBI students produced full-length plays, one-acts and sketches for the regular chapel meetings.  Students’ dramatic gifts also surfaced in the regular talent nights that took place on the PBI campus, located in the former YMCA building in downtown Fresno.

Pacific College—the 1960s

The 1960s was a period of growth and change for the institution. Pacific Bible Institute became Pacific College in 1960, first as a junior college, and, by 1965, as a fully accredited four-year college. The first theater production of the college years was Rejected, written by Tabor College faculty Malinda Penner and Paul Ratzlaff. This contemporary musical was performed at the Armenian Hall in downtown Fresno, the Immanuel Academy chapel in Reedley, and Greeley Elementary School near Rosedale. Cast members received one unit of Applied Drama credit for their participation.

When Pacific College moved onto its new campus in southeast Fresno, plays were performed in the Witmarsum Quad courtyard and on Hiebert Library’s north patio. Productions included Cry, the Beloved Country, The Diary of Anne Frank and Everyman. The Pacific Amphitheater, built in 1964, formalized the outdoor trend. Its grassy audience area, spacious stage and stylish landscaping made it a favorite space for the college community. In addition to plays and musicals, the amphitheater was used for talent shows and the spring graduation ceremony. Productions included Brigadoon, H.M.S. Pinafore, An Enemy of the People, Fiddler on the Roof, My Fair Lady, Our Town, Crazy Quilt, The Tempest, Medea, and Electra. In 2000, Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods was the final production in the beloved amphitheater.

Alumni Hall became the main indoor venue in 1966. Readers Theater productions were popular at many colleges in the 1960s and ‘70s, and Pacific was in on the trend. Reading productions included A Thurber Carnival, In White America, and Jean Anouilh’s Antigone. English and communication faculty were featured in John Brown’s Body, Tall Tales and Short Songs, The World of Carl Sandburg, with music supplied by the music faculty and students.

Pacific College—the 1970s

A drama faculty position was created in 1973, signaling a new level of commitment to theater. The Narrow Gate Company ministered to the campus and local churches, “exploring how God can use drama in the contemporary world.” The drama troupe continued under various names until the late 1990s.

Church history was the focus of several productions in the 1970s. In Newness of Life dramatized the origins of the Mennonite church during the Reformation. It was presented in 1972 as part of the Mennonite Brethren General Conference, in Reedley. Urie Bender’s The Past is Yet to Come depicted the establishment of the Mennonite Brethren church in the late 1800s. That production was co-sponsored by the Anabaptist Historical Society and the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary.

Fresno Pacific College—the 1980s and 1990s

The interest in Mennonite themes continued in the 1980s and ‘90s with the musical Crazy Quilt (by FPC music faculty Larry Warkentin), and reading productions Preacher/Poet (a staging of poems by Mennonite writers) and Ultimate Faith (stories from the Martyr’s Mirror, alternating with hymns). Plays were presented in Alumni Hall, the Amphitheater, or the renovated basement space that became known as the Witmarsum Theater Lab. By the early ‘90s, Ashley Auditorium, in the newly-built McDonald Hall, could also be used for plays like The Curious Savage, The Real Inspector Hound, and The Boys Next Door.

Children's plays and summer melodramas were occasional productions during the 1980s, with productions like Aurand Harris' A Toby Show going on tour to local elementary schools and Dora, the Beautiful Dishwasher, performed at the Reedley Opera House. The '80s was also the period of the Fine Arts Dinners—where student and faculty actors joined forces to create "living art works," alongside the music department's offerings, as part of the fundraising efforts for Pacific's arts programs.

A theater minor was created in the late 1980s, which made it possible for students to make drama a more formal part of their academic programs. Students interested in theater as a major could create a personalized major, combining classes at Fresno Pacific with those from Fresno State University or a semester’s study with the Los Angeles Film Studies Center (LAFSC) program. Liberal studies students could choose theater as a concentration, building on the Creative Drama course that all liberal studies majors took in order to have a well-rounded arts background. 

Fresno Pacific University—2000 to Present

The year 2010 marked fifty years of theater at Fresno Pacific as a college/university. Today’s students experience Fresno Pacific theater as part of a company that meets together weekly to further the work of the season’s productions. Students may opt for making theater a formal part of their academic program, but many participate simply for a chance to be onstage, or to practice their skills as lighting or sound technicians, as set decorators and costume designers, as dramaturgs and stage managers. Theater is a way to come together around many different skills and gifts, to make art in community.

Students who study theater formally gain skills in stage technology, stage-makeup, acting, auditioning, directing, and using drama in the classroom. Courses in theater literature, history and culture survey performance on both global and local stages, with hands-on experiences of medieval mystery plays, through the semi-annual pageant wagon performance out on the green, or agit-prop theater, through the 'actos' that supported the cause of local farmworkers during the civil rights era. We seek to understand the role that theater has played in our world, 'to teach and to please,' to support and to challenge, to comfort and sometimes to dis-comfort, to ask and to answer. 

With the addition in 2016-2017 of our Staged Reading Series, Theater continues to find new ways of presenting dramatic literature for the community. Staff and faculty read alongside students in this partnership with FPU's English program. Plays like A Raisin in the Sun and Real Women Have Curves pay tribute to the diversity of the campus community. Full productions like Truth and Reconciliation and 9 Parts of Desire recognize the global contexts we live in. Comedies like Changes of Heart and Twelfth Night celebrate love and make us laugh. Musicals like Godspell and dramas like Defying Gravity remind us of the source of our being and the journey that we are on together. Whatever the stage or style, we are excited at Fresno Pacific Theater to share stories in the presence of the community, stories that have the potential to speak into our lives and shape our worlds.

Production List

2019–2020

Leaving Iowa Mark Tyler Miller, Director Seminary Chapel
Spitfire Grill Postponed

2018–2019

Falling Shannon Brewington, Director Seminary Chapel
Emma Brooke Aiello, Director Seminary Chapel

2017–2018

Twelfth Night Julia Reimer, Director Seminary Chapel
Guys and Dolls Brooke Aiello, Director Selma Arts Center

2016–2017

9 Parts of Desire Julia Reimer, Director Strasbourg Theater
Defying Gravity Julia Reimer, Director Strasbourg Theater

2015–2016

Changes of Heart Julia Reimer, Director Seminary Chapel
Little Women Bethany Rader, Director Veteran's Memorial Auditorium

2014–2015

Truth and Reconciliation Kate McKnight, Director Severance Hall, California Arts Academy
Doubt, a Parable Bethany Rader, Director New Sanctuary, College Community Church, MB

2013–2014

Shakespeare's Cymbeline Julia Reimer, Director Ashley Auditorium
The Sound of Music

Bethany Rader, Stage Director; Zachary Durlam, Choral Director; Deborah Sauer-Ferrand, Vocal Coach; Milton Friesen, Orchestra Director

Veteran's Memorial Auditorium

2012–2013

Antigone (Anouilh/Galantiere) Bethany Rader, Director Ashley Auditorium
Charley's Aunt Bethany Rader, Director Ashley Auditorium

2011–2012

Barefoot in the Park    Bethany Rader, Director Ashley Auditorium
Godspell Bethany Rader, Stage Director 
Zachary Durlam, Deborah
Sauer-Ferrand, Milton
Friesen, Musical Direction
Ashley Auditorium

2010–2011

Once Removed Julia Reimer, Director Ashley Auditorium
The Immigrant Julia Reimer, Director Ashley Auditorium

2009–2010

Spirit of Hispania      Julia Reimer, Director Ashley Auditorium
The Phantom Lady Julia Reimer, Director Ashley Auditorium

2008–2009

Hay Fever                         Jennifer Sampson, Director Ashley Auditorium
Uncle Vanya Julia Reimer, Director Ashley Auditorium

2007–2008

Nickel and Dimed               Julia Reimer, Director Ashley Auditorium
Parable Julia Reimer, Director Ashley Auditorium, churches,
CITA conference

2006–2007

Trojan Women Julia Reimer, Director
Walter Saul, Musical Score
Ashley Auditorium
Fiddler on the Roof Julia Reimer, Stage Director
Deborah Sauer-Ferrand,
Roy Klassen, Wayne Huber,
Musical Direction
Special Events Center

2005–2006

The Last Night of Ballyhoo Christien Sweeney, Director   Theater Lab
Servant of Two Masters Julia Reimer, Director Ashley Auditorium
FPU performance photo from 2005

2004–2005

84, Charing Cross Road Julia Reimer, Director Theater Lab
The Importance of Being Earnest Julia Reimer, Director         Theater Lab     

2003–2004

Necessary Targets Julia Reimer, Director   Alumni Hall

The Complete Works of
William Shakespeare
(Abridged)

Christien Sweeney, Director   Alumni Hall

2002–2003

Aristophanes' Women
in Congress
(Tasca)
Julia Reimer, Director   Ashley Auditorium
The Book of Acts
(Chamber Theater)
Julia Reimer, Director   Mennonite Community Church

2001–2002

Rant 'n Rave
(Monologues)
Melissa Valgeirsson, Director   Theater Lab
Androcles and the Lion Julia Reimer, Director   Ashley Auditorium
Make It the Great Northern
(Readers Theater)
Melissa Valgeirsson, Director   Fresno Art Museum

2000–2001

Beau Jest Michelle Pauls, Director   Ashley Auditorium
Much Ado about Nothing Calvin Hoff, Director   E. Terronez Middle School

1999–2000

Fuente Ovejuna Andrew Ryder, Director   Ashley Auditorium
Into the Woods Andrew Ryder, Stage Director   Fresno Pacific Amphitheater

1998–1999

Euripides' Electra Andrew Ryder, Director   Fresno Pacific Amphitheater
The Dining Room Andrew Ryder, Director  

1997–1998

Three Irish Comedies by Lady Gregory Andrew Ryder, Director  
Lettice and Lovage Andrew Ryder, Director    

1996–1997

The Imaginary Invalid Julia Reimer, Director   Theater Lab
The Boys Next Door Doug Liechty-Caskey, Director   Ashley Auditorium
Instruments of Peace
(Chamber Theater)
Julia Reimer, Director Butler MB Church

1995–1996

Steel Magnolias Doug Liechty-Caskey, Director   Alumni Hall
Ultimate Faith
(Readers Theater)
Doug Liechty-Caskey, Director   Butler MB Church
Oklahoma! Doug Liechty-Caskey, Stage Director
Musical Director, Roy Klassen
Special Events Center

1994–1995

Lost in Yonkers Mary Freeman, Director   Alumni Hall
Preacher/Poet
(Readers Theater)
Billie Jean Wiebe, Director Alumni Hall
As You Like It Doug Liechty-Caskey, Director   Fresno Pacific Amphitheater

1993–1994

The Great Central Valley:
A Sense of Place  

(Readers Theater)

Billie Jean Wiebe, Director   Alumni Hall
Who's Life Is It Anyway? Doug Liechty-Caskey, Director   Ashley Auditorium
The Real Inspector Hound Doug Liechty-Caskey, Director Ashley Auditorium

1992–1993

Curious Savage Doug Liechty-Caskey, Director   Ashley Auditorium
The Barbarians
Are Coming/
The Prophets
Doug Liechty-Caskey, Director   Fresno Pacific Amphitheater

1991–1992

Easter (Strindberg) Julia Reimer, Director   Theater Lab

1990–1991

A Man for All Seasons Teresa Choate, Director   Theater Lab
110 in the Shade Teresa Choate, Stage Director   Fresno Pacific Amphitheater

1989–1990

Shooting Stars Teresa Choate, Director   Theater Lab
Medea Teresa Choate, Director   Fresno Pacific Amphitheater

1988–1989

Sarcophagus Teresa Choate, Director   Theater Lab
FPU performance photo from 1988
The Tempest Teresa Choate, Director   Fresno Pacific Amphitheater

1987–1988

School for Scandal Adrienne Cooper, Director   Alumni Hall
Foxfire Teresa Choate, Director   Fresno Pacific Amphitheater

1986–1987

A Midsummer Night's Dream Rich Robinson, Director   Alumni Hall
The Children's Hour Adrienne Cooper, Director   Theater Lab
Crazy Quilt Rich Robinson, Stage Director  
Larry Warkentin, Musical Director
Alumni Hall

1985–1986

Our Town Rich Robinson, Director Fresno Pacific Amphitheater
A Toby Show (Children's Show) Rich Robinson, Director   Tour
FPU performance photo from 1985
The Music Man Rich Robinson, Stage Director
Roy Klassen, Vocal Director
Larry Warkentin, Orchestra  
Special Events Center

1984–1985

The Good Doctor Rich Robinson, Director   Witmarsum Basement
David and Lisa Rich Robinson, Director   Special Events Center

1983–1984

Fiddler on the Roof Cheryl Nash, Stage Director 
Curtis Funk, Musical Director  
Special Events Center

1982–1983 

Thurber: Mainly Men
and Women,
Reality—Illusion

(Chamber Theater)
Jim Becker, Director Alumni Hall
The Crucible Jim Becker, Director Alumni Hall

1981–1982 

The Potting Shed Jim Becker, Director Alumni Hall
Mikado Jim Becker, Stage Director 
Curtis Funk, Musical Director
Fresno Pacific Amphitheater

1980–1981

The Diary of Anne Frank Jim Becker, Director Alumni Hall
One Foot in America Cheryl Nash, Director Witmarsum Basement

1979–1980

My Fair Lady Jim Becker, Stage Director 
Curtis Funk, Musical Director
Fresno Pacific Amphitheater
The Lost Princess & The Light Princess
(Readers Theater)
Kathleen Harris, Lei Bills, Directors Alumni Hall

1978–1979

Antigone (Anouihl) Joan Becker, Director Alumni Hall
The Flounder
(Readers Theater)
Billie Jean Wiebe, Director Alumni Hall
The Balloonman
(Readers Theater)
Brenda Wiebe, Director Alumni Hall

1977–1978

The Miracle Worker Robert Wiebe, Director Alumni Hall
Under Milkwood
(Readers Theater)
Billie Jean Wiebe, Director Alumni Hall
The Singer Cheryl Nash, Director College Community MB Church

1976–1977

A Man for All Seasons Alumni Hall
The Clown
(Readers Theater)
Billie Jean Wiebe, Director Alumni Hall
Camelot Jim Becker, Stage Director 
Curtis Funk, Musical Director
Pacific College Amphitheater

1975–1976

All My Sons Jim Becker, Director Alumni Hall
The Glass Menagerie Leah Laraway, Director Alumni Hall
Everyman Jim Becker, Director Pacific College Amphitheater

1974–1975

The Pirates of Penzance Jim Becker, Stage Director
Curtis Funk, Musical Director
Pacific College Amphitheater

1973–1974

The Word: An Evening
of Plays about "Nontalk"
Jim Becker, Director Alumni Hall
Talk to the Animals
(Children's Show)
The Past Is Yet to Come Jim Becker, Director Pacific College Amphitheater

1972–1973

"In Newness of Life" Dalton Reimer, Director Reedley MB Church
Pacific College performance photo in the amphitheater from 1973

1971–1972

Fiddler on the Roof Dalton Reimer, Stage Director
Larry Warkentin, Musical Director
Pacific College Amphitheater
The Taming of the Shrew Phil Hofer, Director Alumni Hall
Antigone (Anouihl)
(Readers Theater)
Dalton Reimer, Director Alumni Hall
Prophet and Carpenter Dalton Reimer, Director Churches, College Hour
The Lion, the Witch
and the Wardrobe

(Children's Show)
Joan Becker, Director Pacific College Amphitheater

1970–1971

Tall Tales and
Short Songs
Faculty Production  Alumni Hall
H.M.S. Pinafore Dalton Reimer, Stage Director 
Larry Warkentin, Musical Director
Pacific College Amphitheater

1969–1970

The World of
Carl Sandberg
Faculty Readers Theater Alumni Hall
Pygmalion Robert Wiebe, Director Alumni Hall
A Thurber Carnival
(Readers Theater)
Luetta Reimer, Director Alumni Hall
Tartuffe Dalton Reimer, Director Alumni Hall
In White America
(Readers Theater)
Dalton Reimer, Director Alumni Hall
The Mikado Dalton Reimer, Stage Director
Larry Warkentin, Musical Director
Pacific College Amphitheater

1968–1969

John Brown's Body  Faculty Readers Theater Alumni Hall
The Miracle Worker Dalton Reimer, Director Alumni Hall
Life, Judgement, Death(3 One-Acts) Judy Karber, Luetta Feil, Directors Alumni Hall
Pacific College performance photo from 1966

1967–1968

The World of
Sholom Aleichem
Dalton Reimer, Director Alumni Hall
Brand Dalton Reimer, Director Pacific College Amphitheater
The Devil and Daniel Webster
(Folk Opera)
Larry Warkentin, Director Pacific College Amphitheater

1966–1967

The House by the
Stable/Grab and Grace
Dalton Reimer, Director Alumni Hall
The Elder Statesman Dalton Reimer, Director Pacific College Amphitheater

1965–1966

The Sign of Jonah Dalton Reimer, Director Alumni Hall
Brigadoon Gary Unruh, Stage and
Musical Director 
Pacific College Amphitheater

1964–1965

An Enemy of the People Donald Unruh, Director Pacific College Amphitheater
Pacific College performance photo from 1964

1963–1964

Amahl and the
Night Visitors
Dalton Reimer, Stage Director 
Dietrich Friesen, Musical Director
Various churches, FCC Auditorium
Everyman
(Hofmannsthal)
Donald Unruh, Director Library Patio

1962–1963

Amahl and the
Night Visitors
Dalton Reimer, Stage Director 
Dietrich Friesen, Musical Director
The Diary of Anne Frank Donald Unruh, Director Library Patio, Immanuel
Academy Chapel

1961–1962

Christ in the Concrete City Dalton Reimer, Director Pacific Coast MB Church tour
Cry, the Beloved Country Dalton Reimer, Director Witmarsum Courtyard,
Immanuel Academy
Chapel, Bakersfield

1961

Rejected Dalton Reimer, Stage Director Dietrich Friesen, Musical Director AACC Hall, Immanuel Academy Chapel, Greeley Elementary (Rosedale)
Pacific College performance photo from 1961

1944

The Greatest Christmas Gift Pacific Bible College
Pacific Bible Institute performance photo from 1944