About Us

The Hampton University Repertory Theatre comes to fruition as the result of years of producing, engaging, and thought-provoking theatrical plays on the Armstrong Little Theatre stage. It is the culmination of decades of establishing a reputation, not just at Hampton University but throughout the United States.

Hampton University has earned regional distinction for producing quality works to include such recognized and applauded titles as The Wiz, The Amen Corner, Fences, Little Shop of Horrors, The Piano Lesson, Ruined, Dream Girls, Grease, A Raisin in the Sun, Choir Boy, Annie, The Colored Museum, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Lion in Winter, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, and Stick Fly. Additionally, we are proud of our commitment to providing a platform for mounting new works that we feel have the potential of making a significant imprint on our audiences. Such plays as Sasha and the Magic Cookie Maker, Through the Crack, A Love to Call My Own, Mistletoe Jam and Mama Dee’s Girls have exposed our audiences to never before seen works by talented practitioners.

We celebrate the commitment of Hampton University to the arts in providing the support to establish the Hampton University Repertory Theatre – the first and only repertory theatre housed on a historically black university campus.

Ruth E. Carter
2019 Oscar Award Winner
Best Costume Design for Black Panther
‘82 Graduate of Hampton University

Our Goals

For almost a century, creative artists have inspired, educated, and entertained audiences on the Hampton University Little Theatre stage. The productions have challenged audience members to stretch their imaginations as they engaged in some of the most enlightening and thought-provoking storytelling ever presented on a University stage. The Hampton University Repertory Theatre was established for the purpose of continuing this legacy. Professional theatre practitioners will now have a safe space to tell stories that matter to our communities. Come, join us!

GOAL ONE

To present engaging, thought-provoking professional theatre to the campus and greater community

GOAL TWO

To expose the student and the community to theatre professionals and their journey

GOAL THREE

To provide a safe space for the creation, development, and presentation of new works

Staff & Board

The Hampton University Repertory Theatre is led by CEO, Artistic Director Dr. Karen Turner Ward. we are support by a core team of Artist and Artistic Directors and well as Artist-In-Residence.

ARTISTIC & PROGRAMMING

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CO-CEO / Dr. Karen Turner Ward
MANAGING DIRECTOR / Dr. Robin Boisseau
OPERATIONS MANAGER / Ms. Catrina Youngblood
CHIEF MEDIA CONSULTANT / Mr. Rodney Whitley

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

FINANCE MANAGER / Adam Scarlett
FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR / Debbie Fox
GENERAL MANAGER / Liz Gaudini

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

MARKETING MANAGER / Tasha Roberson
PUBLICIST / Curly Publicity
GRAPHIC DESIGN / Rodney Whitley

TICKETING & BOX OFFICE

BOX OFFICE MANAGER / Catrina Youngblood

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION MANAGER / Ernst Pynchon
WORKSHOP MANAGER / Daniel Auster
TECHNICAL MANAGER / William Twain
OPERATIONS MANAGER / Tony Miller
HEAD TECHNICIAN / Jason Lanzeti
HEAD CARPENTER / Michelle Lana

EDUCATION

YOUTH & EDUCATION MANAGER / Tatiana Alexis

VENUE MANAGEMENT

VENUE MANAGER / James Bell
FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGERS / Harry Olivier & Marta Crawford

DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER / Liz Scott
PHILANTHROPY COORDINATOR / Deena Scarlett
SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR / Heather Tyson

Meet Our Advisory Council

The Hampton Repertory Theatre is grateful for the extraordinary cadre of committed professionals who are lending their support as members of the Advisory Council. Led by alum, Rick Montgomery of RixStar Studios, this distinguished group will serve as advisors on major activities sponsored by the Hampton University Repertory Theatre.

This village of arts, theatre, media, and business professionals will also serve as advisors to our students as they transition from their academic preparation to professional arenas.

The primary responsibilities of the Advisory Council members include the following:

Recommend and advise on major activities sponsored by the Hampton University Repertory Theatre
Convene once each academic year (via zoom or face-to-face) to discuss fundraising activities and opportunities for the theatre and students
Provide expert advice to the staff on matters that fall within their fields
Assist in enhancing the theatre’s visibility
Commit to serving a minimum three-year term

*Indicates Hampton University Alumni