'Power of theater': Department of Dramatic Art receives $2 million gift from alumna

Last week, the University announced that UNC alumna Kathleen Ford has given a $2 million gift to the Department of Dramatic Art.

The gift consists of a $1 million endowed fund and a $1 million expendable fund, which will allow for the enhancement of undergraduate education in the department.

Kathryn Hunter-Williams, chair and associate professor in the Department of Dramatic Art, said that the gift has been in the works for a while and will be able to support theater experiences on all levels.

“[Ford] is just so appreciative of her Carolina experience that she really wants to build up and support the department,” Hunter-Williams said.

One experience supported by the Kathleen A. Ford Department of Dramatic Art Undergraduate Fund included a trip to New York City this spring. During the trip, a cohort of undergraduate students were able to participate in rehearsals for the Broadway play “Purpose.” 

Aubrey Snowden, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Dramatic Art, accompanied the students on the trip. 

She said that the trip gave the students an opportunity not only to engage within the walls of the theater but also with the city. 

“That has its own value and an appeal and its own process of learning,” Snowden said. “Understanding how much you don’t know is crucial, I think, to the college experience, and knowing that that’s not something to be scared of, but to really embrace and investigate what you don’t know.” 

Other transformative experiences that the fund will make possible include bringing in guest speakers, directors and actors and career-building opportunities such as summer research Hunter-Williams said. 

Additionally, as the Department of Dramatic Art approaches its 90th anniversary, some of the funds will be used to connect with alumni to support activities around that celebration, Hunter-Williams said. 

David Navalinsky, director of undergraduate production and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Dramatic Art, said the fund will offer great support to Kenan Theatre Company, UNC’s undergraduate production company. The fund is a great opportunity to upgrade equipment, bring in guest directors, but also to increase support for productions as prices increase, he said. 

“That’s sort of the crazy thing, how much we in the department need to spend on each show, and how we’re constantly making big purchases,” Navalinsky said. 

He said that the $2 million gift will give the department an opportunity to grow by attracting more students towards the theater program and improving the quality of productions. 

The fund will help with providing more resources for undergraduate theater productions and more opportunities to not only foster skills but also to build community. 

Snowden said that the fund would provide some resources to better cultivate community between Playmakers Repertory Company, the Master of Fine Arts program and the undergraduates in the Department of Dramatic Art. 

“I think [it will] help grow our program to be a program where students really feel valued and encouraged to explore and take advantage of what theater can do,” Snowden said.  

Furthermore, Snowden said that this gift could not have come at a better time, given nation-wide cuts in funding to humanities and arts programs.

“On the simplest but still profound level, this donation recognizes the power of theater and the power of undergraduates on this campus,” Snowden said. 

Hunter-Williams also highlighted the importance of Ford’s gift in valuing theater and the undergraduate experience specifically.  

“Her deep appreciation and private individual support like this really helps us to be able to keep creating bravely and truthfully and honestly, without the threat of having it taken away,” she said.

Theater, the arts and the humanities hold value in teaching how to communicate, collaborate and think creatively, she said.

“Her valuing [the arts] and putting such a great gift in our hands is a sign I find hopeful,” Hunter-Williams said. “I hope the undergraduates will also understand that this is someone who really understands what they’re doing and believes in them — and keep going. Don’t give up.” 

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