UWG’s Theatre Program Brings Out the Wow Factor in Performing Arts Share this page
With a vibrant array of creative opportunities at the University of West Georgia, the theatre program continues to stand out as a dynamic and inspiring space for students to explore their artistry. Offered as a BFA degree with a choice of three concentrations, the theatre program is an electrifying and exceptional field of study for those who want to live out their dreams as up-and-coming artistic performers.
Dr. Pauline Gagnon, who serves as the program coordinator and professor of theatre, noted that the program has changed substantially within the past decade. Particularly during the phase of COVID-19, the performing arts program had to create a new level of modification to accommodate productions.
“During COVID, we adapted well, moving all of our live performances online and turning them into mini films,” Gagnon said. “COVID was very disruptive to all of higher education, but theater skills are great for handling these kinds of challenges.”
Based on its many accomplishments, the program became nationally accredited a few years ago, making UWG the second university in the state of Georgia to have National Association of Schools of Theatre accreditation. With this, the theatre program has helped students like Amahri Richard be seen in ways that recognize one’s talent and ambition to excel in the performing arts.
Dating back to his freshman year, Richard had a part in the student directed show “Episodes 2023: A Cabaret,” followed by an acting performance in the production “Animal Farm.” Based on his involvement in these productions, coupled with the community support that he received, he realized that theatre was his true calling.
“After a few theatre classes I took, I realized I would love to direct for the stage as much as for the screen, which was what I would love to do for film,” Richard said. “So I ended up adding the theatre major along with film to continue my passion for directing and producing in both areas,
One of the best things about the theatre program is that any UWG student can participate in a production, regardless of major status.
“Anybody can come in and take a course called Production and Performance, which is offered every semester,” Gagnon said. “Also, our auditions are open to the whole campus, so we have many nonmajors who audition for our shows and often get cast.”
With the massive number of productions that the theater program has to offer, Richard has acted in six productions and was in two student-directed cabarets. Along with this, he also had roles in other productions such as Kenny in “Fuddy Meers” and Baron Elberfeld in “The Sound of Music” and had his fair share of conducting design and management work on several productions, as well. Out of all the shows that Richard has been involved in, he said the most groundbreaking ones for him were “Frankenstein,” in which he played the role as Victor Frankenstein and “Songs and Stories: A Cabaret 2025.”
Both of these shows tested the waters on Richard’s acting skills, which was something that challenged his artistry yet inspired him to continue living out his authenticity. So much so that he created the concept for the upcoming spring 2026 production, analyzing the relationship between enemies and allies. The show will also cater towards a personal perspective, as it will use daily life elements on who we choose as our friends and others who turn out to be enemies.
“I hope our audience is able to relate to these moments our actors go through,” Richard said. “Being immersed in this world but also being able to allow yourself to see these characters and see those types of friends or enemies in your everyday life.”
From the long hours of rehearsal to highly anticipated prep of opening night, theater is one field that requires significant time of dedication. Gagnon states that students rehearse five nights a week and have been able to pick up on how well-versed and committed they are. Even for students who aren’t theater majors, signing up for the Production and Performance class will provide them with insight on how the performing arts could translate into their personal lives.
“We have a terrific group of majors, and several students double major in areas like film,” Gagnon said. “We’ve also just launched a new interdisciplinary pathway with computer science in gaming.”
Richard also encourages all students to take on the many opportunities that UWG has to offer. “Anytime you are presented with any experience off campus to do some theatre work, do it,” he said. “Don’t take those opportunities for granted, because you never know what it may lead to!”
Speaking of opportunities, Richard is extremely excited about what post-grad options he could come across in the performing arts and film world. He hopes to teach theatre for high school and possibly at the college level and even entertains thoughts on earning a master’s degree in theater education. But, for now, he’s enjoying life one day at a time.
“[I’m] just taking everything day by day and taking advantage of the different opportunities presented to me, now and after I leave UWG,” Richard said.
UWG Theatre will host “Songs and Stories: A Cabaret 2026” at the Townsend Center on March 4-7, 7:30 p.m., and March 8, 2:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets here.