VPA Declares Appointment of the New Head for Drama Department

Eleanor Holdridge, a renowned figure in the theatre world, has been appointed as the new chair of the Department of Drama at Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), effective from July 1[2][3]. She comes to Syracuse University from the Catholic University of America, where she previously served as professor and chair of the Department of Drama at the Rome School of Music, Drama and Art[6].

Professor Holdridge brings with her an impressive 30-year career in theatre directing, which includes Off-Broadway productions and regional world premieres[5]. Some of her notable works include directing Ken Ludwig's "Lend Me A Soprano" and "The Revolutionists", as well as recently directing "Baskerville" at the Alley Theatre in Houston[7].

In her new role, Professor Holdridge aims to help the department gain even more national significance than it currently enjoys[1]. She believes that the opportunities for collaboration among the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the community at Syracuse University will help nurture the artists of tomorrow and potentially change the world[1].

Michael S. Tick, dean of VPA, has welcomed Professor Holdridge to the team, expressing his excitement about the new leadership[4]. Professor Holdridge also expresses her own enthusiasm about joining the drama department at Syracuse University[8].

In addition to her directing projects, Professor Holdridge plans to shape the curricula to meet the strategic plan of the college[9]. She also intends to investigate and forge an exciting new chapter in the Tepper Semester and all of the away and abroad programs[10].

Ralph Zito, the previous drama department chair, will return to the faculty part-time at Syracuse University[11]. His departure and the arrival of Professor Holdridge mark a significant change in the leadership of the Department of Drama at Syracuse University.

For more detailed information about Professor Eleanor Holdridge's specific accomplishments, previous roles, and upcoming directing projects, readers are encouraged to consult her biography available through Syracuse University[4].

[1] Syracuse University News. (2022, March 14). Eleanor Holdridge appointed as chair of the Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://news.syr.edu/2022/03/14/eleanor-holdridge-appointed-as-chair-of-the-department-of-drama-in-the-college-of-visual-and-performing-arts/ [2] Syracuse University News. (2022, April 1). Eleanor Holdridge to lead Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://news.syr.edu/2022/04/01/eleanor-holdridge-to-lead-department-of-drama-in-the-college-of-visual-and-performing-arts/ [3] Catholic University of America. (n.d.). Eleanor Holdridge. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://music.cua.edu/people/faculty/eleanor-holdridge [4] Syracuse University. (n.d.). Eleanor Holdridge. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://vpa.syr.edu/people/faculty/eleanor-holdridge/ [5] Playbill. (2022, March 14). Eleanor Holdridge Named Chair of Syracuse University's Department of Drama. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://www.playbill.com/article/eleanor-holdridge-named-chair-of-syracuse-universitys-department-of-drama [6] Catholic University of America. (n.d.). Rome School of Music, Drama and Art. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://music.cua.edu/programs/rome-school-of-music-drama-and-art [7] Alley Theatre. (2021). Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://www.alleytheatre.org/shows/baskerville-a-sherlock-holmes-mystery/ [8] Syracuse University News. (2022, April 1). Eleanor Holdridge to lead Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://news.syr.edu/2022/04/01/eleanor-holdridge-to-lead-department-of-drama-in-the-college-of-visual-and-performing-arts/ [9] Syracuse University News. (2022, March 14). Eleanor Holdridge appointed as chair of the Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://news.syr.edu/2022/03/14/eleanor-holdridge-appointed-as-chair-of-the-department-of-drama-in-the-college-of-visual-and-performing-arts/ [10] Syracuse University News. (2022, March 14). Eleanor Holdridge appointed as chair of the Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://news.syr.edu/2022/03/14/eleanor-holdridge-appointed-as-chair-of-the-department-of-drama-in-the-college-of-visual-and-performing-arts/ [11] Syracuse University News. (2022, March 14). Eleanor Holdridge appointed as chair of the Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Retrieved May 21, 2022, from https://news.syr.edu/2022/03/14/eleanor-holdridge-appointed-as-chair-of-the-department-of-drama-in-the-college-of-visual-and-performing-arts/

Professor Holdridge, in her role at Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, aims to utilize educational opportunities to foster the artists of tomorrow and potentially shape the world, contributing to the department's self-development and growth in national significance. With her extensive experience and passion for theatre directing, she plans to shape the curricula to align with the college's strategic plan and investigates an exciting new chapter for Tepper Semester and abroad programs, emphasizing education-and-self-development.