Under the auspices of the Theatre & Comedy faculty of the Communication Department, University Theatre at William Paterson University presents a varied and ongoing selection of plays, musicals, and live comedy. The program offers students from all disciplines the opportunity to participate in and observe the joys of theatre and comedy, and to integrate these art forms into their academic and life experience.

"Antigone", Fall 2010

Comedy Festival Contestants, Spring 2011

Since 2001 the program has presented Pulitzer Prize-winning plays and other works from some of the most prolific playwrights and musical theatre teams of the past and present. The list includes Proof, Metamorphoses, Art, How I Learned to Drive, Rabbit Hole, The Shape of Things, The Baltimore Waltz, The Clean House, Almost Maine, Defying Gravity, What I Did Last Summer, Talking With, Roosters, Quilters, The Rimers of Eldritch, A…My Name is Alice, And the World Goes ‘Round, Antigone, Crumbs from the Table of Joy, and A Thurber Carnival.

Our annual Collegiate Stand-Up Comedy Competition began in 2006, and continues to be a highlight of the school year. Open to all university students, comics from NJ, NY, CT, and PA participate in the stand-up competition, and the number of entrants continues to grow. The Funniest Female and Male Students receive awards and starring spots at Gotham Comedy Club in NYC. Each semester, an evening of Sketch Comedy is offered as well, featuring work developed in classes during the semester. Our newest show is Comedy Sportz, based on the skills that students learn in the Improvisation in Performance class.

The University Theatre program is built on a foundation of inclusiveness and seeks to serve and involve the entire William Paterson campus and neighboring communities. We encourage all contributions from those with any related skills who wish to join our dynamic theatre & comedy program, and experience the thrill and satisfaction of live performance at its best.

In the Fall 2011, University Theatre presented Suzan-Lori Parks’ award-winning Topdog/Underdog and Joined at the Head by Catherine Butterfield. The Spring 2012 productions will be Living Out by Lisa Loomer in the Hunziker Black Box Theatre, and Reckless by Craig Lucas in the Shea Center. The annual Collegiate Stand-Up Comedy Competition will be held on Friday, April 13 in Hobart Hall. Join us!

"A Thurber Carnival", Spring 2011

"Trifles", Spring 2010

For further information, contact Professor Elizabeth Stroppel at stroppele@wpunj.edu.