College Of St. Scholastica’s Decades-Long Theatre Productions To Shut Down

DULUTH, Minn. – The Twin Ports theater community will be losing one of its longest-running stages this fall when the College of St. Scholastica shuts down its decades-long theatre program.

Students have been producing high-quality productions for the CSS campus and the general community since at least the 1970s, according to a former director of the program.

The college released a statement Friday to faculty, staff and students about the decision.

1994/1995
Talley and Son
By Lanford Wilson

“As The College of St. Scholastica navigates the challenging environment of higher education, we face difficult decisions. One of those decisions is to cease offering theatre productions starting in the fall semester of 2024,” according to the statement.

CSS said the decision to cut the theatre program was “not made lightly.”

“We acknowledge the impact this decision will have on students, faculty, staff, and the broader community, and we are grateful to the students, faculty, staff, and audience members who participated in our theatre’s history,” according to the statement.

CSS Theatre’s post early Friday

A post on the CSS Theatre Facebook page Friday asked, “What does theatre and at St. Scholastic mean to you?”

Ella Goette replied:

“I’ve met some of by closest friends through the St. Scholastica theatre- it’s the best way to connect with your peers and form lasting friendships!”

Merry Renn Vaughan replied:

“I spent my entire (full time) professional career at the CSS Theatre. It was an honor and a privilege to spend 25 years working with incredibly talented designers, creators, and students making art. That art was impactful. It was difficult. It was fun. I know it changed lives, both on and off stage, and behind the scenes. I am beyond proud of the work I did in that building. But, I’m more proud of how the students I’ve worked with over the years have gone out into the world and changed the world – in big ways, in small ways, in all ways. Theatre is creative, Theatre is art, Theatre is collaboration, Theatre is putting your whole heart out there every time. Thank you CSS Theatre for allowing so many of my dreams to come true.”

Courtesy: CSS Theatre

And Tayler Mercil replied:

“It means trying new things, like my first improv comedy workshop, stage combat, and studying theatre and literature abroad in London! Class of 2017.”

As for the future of liberal arts at the college, the statement from CSS ended with the following:

“The College remains committed to providing intellectual and moral preparation for responsible living and meaningful work. The College maintains a strong commitment to the liberal arts, including providing students with a deep understanding of the fine arts to fully realize their full human potential and transform the communities where they live and work. St. Scholastica will continue its long-standing and excellent work in the fine arts through its academic programming in music and visual arts.”

Courtesy: CSS Theatre