Wheeling University Performing Arts

07/30/2025

02/12/2020

04/18/2017

After more than twenty years and nearly 100 productions, I will be saying goodbye to the WJU stage at the end of May. As I have said many times, I have been so privileged to work with some of the finest young people that the world has to offer. Over the years, hundreds of students have selflessly shared their talents, and time with me and with our community. I would like to say thanks to all of you that have graced the WJU stage in the two decades I have been there. You have enriched my life in so many ways and given this wayward soul a reason for his existence. I am so proud of what so many of you have accomplished in your lives and am sure that you will continue to make the world a better place. I will always consider you to be be colleagues and dear friends. I also want to say thanks to the many wonderful faculty and administrators that have supported and helped to keep the program alive over the years. A special thanks To Bob Troeger for sharing his incredible musical talents with me each year.
Over the years many have asked why I have seldom included my name in programs and publicity, the answer is simple, the credit for the success of our program has always been because of the students and not because of me. I have merely been a facilitator. I could not be more grateful for these past twenty years of my life.... house lights!

Peace to all,
Dave

02/19/2017

Congrats to cast and crew of The Secret Garden at WJU. One more show, Sunday at 2 pm

02/03/2017

Wheeling Jesuit Students to Perform The Secret Garden Feb. 16-19.

WHEELING, W.Va., Feb. 1, 2017 -- Taking center stage in Wheeling Jesuit University's Troy Theater this February will be The Secret Garden.

Wheeling Jesuit University students will bring to life The Secret Garden Feb. 16-19. The performances are set for 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Feb. 19.

“The Secret Garden is a wonderful opportunity to teach children that selflessness can open the door to happiness and friendship. A message that young and old will appreciate," said Dave Henderson, coordinator of performing arts at WJU.

The Secret Garden, adapted by Pamela Sterling from the book by Francis Hodgson Burnett, tells the of Mary Lennox, a spoiled, contrary, solitary child raised in India, but sent to live in her uncle's manor in Yorkshire after her parents' death.

She is left to herself by her uncle, Mr. Craven, who travels often to escape the memory of his deceased wife. The only person who has time for Mary is her chambermaid, Martha. It is Martha who tells Mary about Mrs. Craven's walled garden, which has been closed and locked since her death.

Mary becomes intrigued by the prospect of the forgotten garden, and her quest to find out the garden's secrets leads her to discover other secrets hidden in the gloomy Misselthwaite Manor. Discovering the hidden, neglected garden, Mary plants the seeds of new life for all those drawn into her secret refuge. The timeless story about the growth and blossoming of the earth and the human spirit.

The cast for The Secret Garden includes:
Nurse Craven - Mackenzie Shepard
Mary Lennox - Halli Richards
Mrs. Medlock - Felicity Nolder
Dickon Sowerby - Stephen Hansknecht
Martha Sowerby - Bernadette Tirador
Ben Weatherstaff - Mathew Martin
Arcibald Craven -Tyler Boyd
The Robin - Mackenzie Shepard
Members of the cast of The Secret Garden. The front row from left to right are: Halli Richards, Nathaniel Foster and Stephen Hansknecht. In back are Felicity Nolder, MacKenzie Shepard, and Matthew Martin.
Technical Director - George Bell

09/29/2016

2016-2017 Performing Arts Season

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Jay Presson Allen, adapted from the novel by Muriel Spark
November 17, 18, 19 at 8 p.m. and 20 at 2 p.m.
A teacher can have a profound influence on a child's life, even if it's something to react against. Jean Brodie is a teacher at a conservative girls' school during the 1930s. She disdains the banality of a conventional education, preferring to instill in her young charges her own passion for paintings, politics, music, and men. Things go horribly awry, however, when Miss Brodie and her politics are betrayed to the headmistress by one of her most trusted students. Dame Maggie Smith garnered an Oscar for her portrayal of Jean Brodie in the 1969 film version.

The Secret Garden Adapted by Pamela Sterling, from the book by Francis Hodgson Burnett
February 9, 10, 11 at 8 p.m. and 12 at 2 p.m.
Mary Lennox, a sullen and spoiled young orphan, is sent to live with her brooding uncle at gloomy Misselthwaite Manor. Discovering a hidden, neglected garden, Mary plants the seed of new life for all those drawn into her secret refuge. The timeless story about growth and blossoming of the earth and the human spirit.

42nd Street by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble; Music by Harry Warren
April 6, 7, 8 at 8 p.m. and 8 at 2 p.m.
The ultimate show-biz musical, 42ND STREET is a celebration of Broadway, Times Square, and the people who make the magic of musical theatre. Aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown PA, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star?
The Performing Arts Series is made possible in part by the generous financial support of the WJU Student Government Association. All performances are free to WJU employees, students, and the general public on a first-come basis. Reservations are not taken. Call 304-243-2095 for more information.

05/06/2016

Congratulations to Sean Shields, winner of the 2016 WJU Performing Arts Award. Sean has been a vital part of the WJU theater program for four years and has appeared in nearly every production since his freshman year. His last WJU role was a tour de force performance as the MC in our recent production of "Cabaret". Not only a fine actor and performer, but an intelligent, and caring young man that will go on to do great things and make a positive difference in the world. Congrats, to Sean and break-a-leg out there! Also, a heartfelt thanks and goodbye to all the senior theater students as they sally forth into the world. You will all be missed. Hope to see some of you back for the alumni show in the fall. Godspeed.

04/11/2016

Thank you so much to everyone who put down the knitting, the books, and the brooms, and came to the Cabaret! It was a wonderful weekend and we're so happy you joined us. Until next year!

02/10/2016

Shout out to our honorary WJU Theater Guild member Sammy Holt-Hoskins (Oliver). He underwent surgery today. Sending hugs and prayers your way buddy!

11/20/2015

Congratulations cast and crew for a well done opening night of "The Glass Menagerie". "Do it for Betty!

11/14/2015

He did it! All of Sammy's tests came back clear -- no tumors, no masses, nothing! Take a bow, Sammy. You deserve it.