Technical Theatre Strengthened

Dr. Hawes had a very strong design background and recognized the department’s need for technical support, starting with the addition of a technical director/designer. Up until this point, faculty and/or students served as technical “directors”, designers and costumers. This need was underscored when, in 1976, the entire cast and crew of Cactus Flower stayed on campus over spring break in order to finish the set on time.

George E. Sampedro (a talented scene painter) joined the faculty as Technical Director in 1976, and Eugene C. Seyffer (who created excellent renderings of his designs) replaced him in 1978. By 1978, Theatre was a separate department, but there were only two on the faculty for a year. Still, it was a stand-alone department.

In the fall of 1979, Mr. Carl H. Lefko, a young MFA from UNC-Greensboro, joined the faculty in the TD/Design area. Carl added much needed stability in that position. A gifted designer, he would spend his entire career at Radford University. When the curtain went up on opening nights, his sets received prolonged standing ovations.

There were a number of students who constructed some amazing costumes An example: the costumes for The King and I in 1978 were a collaboration between the theatre department students and the design department students. Sometimes, when there was a musical, and if they were available, costumes were rented for the whole show.

Ms. Laura Wedin served as costumer in a full-time temporary position in 1986/87. In the fall of 1987 Ms. Monica Weinzapfel left the University of Virginia to join Radford’s faculty as its first full-time faculty member in costuming. Again, much needed stability was added to the department. Monica, an exceptionally talented costume designer, teacher and mentor, retired in 2019.

Mr. Jerry McGlown also arrived in the fall of 1987. He was Commonwealth Visiting Professor and went on to serve as a member of the faculty through 1999.

In 1994 Dr. Hawes retired after serving as Chair of the department for 20 years, and Dr. Robert Pomo joined the faculty as Chair of the department, leaving in 1999.

• In 1997, the department achieved, on the first attempt, a significant milestone by receiving full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

• In the Spring of 2003, the department received reaccredited by NAST

• In the Spring of 2013, the department was reaccredited by NAST