The loss of the theatrical arts at Union University costs more than you know.

Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, has decided to discontinue theatre on its campus in all aspects:  classes, performances, and students.  This decision has come as a shock and almost like a thief in the night.  Current theatre majors and minors will be allowed to continue their studies, but once the current students have finished their degrees, no more theatre classes will take place.  The university will utilize and employ adjunct professors to “teach out” the remaining theatre majors and minors.  However, UU Players productions will cease to exist after this semester’s performance of The Count of Monte Cristo in March 2022.  The university has cited financial and recruitment/graduation rates as their reasoning for this harmful and disappointing decision.

Students, alumni, faculty members, and community members are disappointed in the university's decision to dismantle the program without so much as a fundraising push detailing the consequences of a failure to donate to this cause. They have in no way sought out support from alumni or the community to fill faculty or directorial positions either.  This current crisis of losing a cornerstone of theatre in Jackson might not have even taken place if the university would have taken time to disclose the situation at hand to the community of UU theatre alumni who dedicated much of their time to this program. By signing this petition, you are telling the administration and Board of Trustees of Union University that you agree there is a need for more art on campus, not less.

It is one thing to no longer offer a major, but cutting a program with a history of over 100 years is nonsense.  The facilities still stand as well as many other resources that have been garnered over the decades.  The production aspect of the theatrical arts is a critical component of education The community still actively attends performances.  Students, both majors and non-majors, participate and benefit from theatrical performances.  There is a large alumni base to pull from.  Theatre is a refuge for many.  The administration should recognize that continuing some form of theatre on campus is possible.

This petition was created with the intention of garnering attention from the administration that the Union and Jackson community alike desire to continue the Union University Theatre Arts Program in some form or fashion.  After signing, we encourage you to share along with a testimony of your experience of Union University Theatre!