"While we appreciate the administrations announcement indicating SVU’s intent to continue to support the theatre program in a new form, the reality is that this is not possible.  Currently, Chandler (faculty offices, the shop, costume/makeup rooms, dressing rooms) is being cleared out for use by other programs.  This does not indicate a continued support of the program.  In addition, theatre as an extracurricular activity is community theatre.  And while community theatre has its place, academic theatre is different. It is in the training that perspectives and lives are changed. The level of excellence will not exist in shows produced without the underlying academic structure to train young artists. 

What is being unveiled as a revamp is actually a death knell.  Gutting the program in this way ensures its eventual death."

-Cynthia Austin (Founder of Southern Virginia University Theatre Department)