Fundraising Efforts Help Shape the Future

One of the reasons why Radford’s Theatre Department has continued to maintain high performance standards and its highly recognized professionalism is because of its ability to attract top students through its robust fundraising for scholarships and naming opportunities.

As of this writing, the Department has eleven endowed scholarships for theatre majors. In addition: Dr. George Gray named the Costume Studio in honor of his wife Ann Gardner Gray in 2011. Also, in 2011, Lilli and Leslie Hawes established the Lilli and James W. Hawes Scholarship, and the Department named the Studio Theatre the Lilli and James Hawes Studio Theatre in recognition of the legacy of former Chair of the Department Dr. James W. Hawes.

In 2013 Mark and Jackie Curran initiated a fundraising campaign to name the Porterfield Stage the Charles L. Hayes stage. The Charles L. Hayes Guest Artist Fund was established: Funds earned from the endowment are used to support the Theatre Visiting Artist initiative which brings guest actors, directors, designers, playwrights and other artists to campus to work closely with students. Whether through masterclasses, workshops, or production work, these professionals provide invaluable educational opportunities along with exposure to the professional entertainment industry.