Auburn University at Montgomery’s Theatre program celebrated its golden anniversary, marking five decades of contributing to the arts and campus life with a special 50th Anniversary Showcase of alumni, current students, faculty and supporters honoring a rich history of performances and artistic education.
“The showcase is a wonderful way to honor our alumni, students, faculty and staff; represent the shows we have produced; and highlight our collaborative achievements, both past and present,” said Val Winkelman, AUM Professor and director of the showcase.
The showcase, which ran from Nov. 13 to Nov. 16, featured a selection of scenes, songs and moments from the program’s most memorable productions over the past half-century. Highlights spanned dramatic classics, popular musicals and contemporary works, illustrating the breadth and evolution of the AUM Theatre curriculum and serving as testament to the program’s enduring future.
The show was structured to take the audience on a journey through time, featuring pieces from cornerstone shows and breakthrough performances that defined generations of AUM actors and technicians. Attendees praised the showcase for its energy and emotional resonance, underscoring the deep connection the program has forged within the community.
The cast ensemble included: Professor Neil David Seibel (Fiddler, The Normal Heart), Dr. Matthew Killmeier (War of the Worlds), James-Louis Avery (2022) (War of the Worlds, ‘Art’), Billy Cobb (2015) (Dracula), Bri Myers (2024) (Mother Courage and Her Children, Blood at the Root), Noah DePace (2016) (Waiting for Godot, Amadeus), Amy May (2019) (Waiting for Godot, The Great Easter Egg Hunt, To Be Young, Gifted and Black), Sean Godfrey (Proof), Daylyn Knox (Something Rotten, Musical Comedy Murders of 1940—Miss Julie, Guys and Dolls, Blood at the Root—The Mandrake), Nicholas Hall (Marvin’s Room), Katelynn Do (A Piece of My Heart), Grace Brennen (Lungs, Venus in Fur—Heart Sellers), Atticus O’Banner (Lungs, Company, Musical Comedy Murders of 1940—Miss Julie, Blood at the Root—The Mandrake, Falsettos), Sarah Patterson (Godspell, The Crucible), Kaylee Baker (Crimes of the Heart, Ring Round the Moon), Faith Roberts (Measure for Measure, Lips Together, Teeth Apart), Meadow Lokey (Twelfth Night—Metamorphoses, Venus in Fur—Heart Sellers), Jay Russel (Twelfth Night—Metamorphoses, Red, Birds), Lee Bridges (1987, 2000) (Lips together, Teeth Apart), Sam Crevensten (The Revolutionists, Memorandum), Katie Pearson (2001, 2005) (Jake’s Women), Mike/Val Winkelman (Jake’s Women), Jason Morgan (2010, 2025) (Seagull, No Exit), Professor Sam Wallace (Where’s Charley?, As You Like It), Jeff Glass (2003, 2005) (Death of a Salesman), Jon Glass (Death of a Salesman), Cushing Phillips (2017) (You Can’t Take It With You, Not About Heroes), and are among the performers and their notable productions.
The students currently involved in the anniversary production said the anniversary production was a unique and meaningful experience, connecting them directly to the program’s heritage. Michael James Pritchard, a senior in the AUM Theatre program, shared their perspective on taking the stage for this milestone event.
“It’s a huge celebration and it’s an honor to lift older voices in the space,” Pritchard said. “It was interesting to see where Theatre AUM has gone and we as younger actors got to see a narrative of the types of stories told before us.”
AUM Theatre’s productions have provided cultural enrichment, promoted critical dialogue and offered countless students a vital outlet for creative expression and professional development.
Freshman anthropology major Skylar Williams reflected on the broader impact of the program. “I feel AUM Theatre has been a beacon of creativity and passion on this campus,” said Williams. “It has gave students a way to express themselves and explore the art of acting through the years.”
The 50th Anniversary Showcase solidified AUM Theatre’s position as a cornerstone of artistic and academic life, promising many more years of compelling performances and dedicated instruction. The program now looks ahead to its next chapter, building on a foundation of half a century of dramatic achievement. Next up is the Spring 2026 season with the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region IV Festival 58 hosted by AUM Feb. 3-7, 2026. Theatre students from across the country compete in the annual festival. Then April 9-11, 16-18 and 19 Fool for Love, a play written by playwright and actor Sam Shepard will be directed by Theatre Assistant Professor Michael Krek.
