Lipscomb University Theatre

Student Highlight:
Rising Junior Hayley Kate Nelms and rising Senior Phoebe Countryman are working at Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) where they get to work on shows like Tosca, King Roger, and Of Mice and Men. Hayley-Kate is a stage carpenter intern and Phoebe is on the morning crew where they work on assembling the sets. So proud of the skills they are getting to bring to the table.

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Preslie Cagle

Major: Theatre Design and Production, minor in Directing

LDoT credits:
SM - School for Wives and ELEVATE
ASM - CATS and ELEVATE

Favorite LDoT Memory: “Being in Self-IMPROVment!! There’s too many memories that make me cry with laughter to this day, and I can’t wait for nobody else to understand the references I’ll make.”

Favorite LDoT Show: CATS .. meow

What have you enjoyed doing in your time in LDoT? “Welding was the most fun skill I learned, especially since it earned me the nickname of DRAGON🔥🐉”

Biggest takeaway from your time in LDoT: “ I came hoping to find my place in the world, and am leaving with the confidence that I will be valuable and make a new home in any role, at any theater, and with anyone I may meet.”

What’s Next? “Contracted with Ensemble Stage in Banner Elk, North Carolina as a stage manager for the rest of their season. “

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Sophia Hassevoort

Major: Acting and Minor in Dance

Favorite LDoT Memory: “in ‘the games afoot,’ i played a dead body for a portion of the show, and would get carried around by various characters. during one rehearsal, i had to fart *so* badly, and it took everything in me not to fart while they carried me around the stage LOL.”

Favorite LDoT Show: “OMG i can’t possibly choose!! but i had such a blast with everyone in The Game’s Afoot—the holiday vibes & rehearsal shenanigans were just so much fun!!”

What have you enjoyed doing in your time in LDoT? “I loved participating in scenes!! I got to direct, music direct, choreograph AND perform in scenes while at LU, and that was such a blast. I also adored singing with everyone in MT ensemble!! I also found a HUGE passion for Shakespeare, and I can’t wait to keep pursuing that!”

Biggest takeaway from your time in LDoT: “Regardless of where life takes you, you are an ARTIST!! and also, don’t forget to bend your knees—it’s actually like super important.”

What’s Next? “I will be singing Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes with John Rutter in Barcelona in May 2027! This summer, I’m a camp counselor for Camp Broadway with the Tivoli Theater in Chattanooga, and continuing to Character Perform with Character Visits 4 U! Additionally, I’m a Staff Singer for the Holy Church of the Rosary! I will also be playing Claire in a professional production of “Proof” by David Auburn, with Chattanooga State Repertory Theatre!”

“if there’s any advice i could give, it’s to have courage and be kind. everything is gonna work out, and it’s going to be just fine. :)))”

📸 Phoebe Countryman Sarah Johnson

Happy opening to our alumni involved in Jesus Christ Superstar at ! We know you are the real superstars! 🌟🌟🌟 Shout out to performers Emma Rose Williamson (‘24), Victoria Griffin (‘23), Connor Adair (‘25), stage manager Marlee Shelton (‘22), and ASM Peyton Lewis (‘25).

As of this year, Lipscomb Theatre is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)! Founded in 1965, NAST is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 182 accredited members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees for theatre and theatre-related disciplines. Read more at the link in our bio!

Congratulations to our graduating seniors! We love you and wish you the very best on your next chapter! 🎓✨

Senior cabaret was so special last night! We are so proud of our seniors. Tomorrow, they graduate! 🎓✨

Come celebrate our seniors tomorrow night in the senior cabaret! Our performance will be taking place at Acuff chapel at lipscomb academy! We hope to see you there!

Our glorious Costume Designer and her costume shop workers this year! Thank you for every stitch, button, and detail. We couldn’t do it without you! 🧵🪡

Musical Theatre Ensemble is excited to present their spring show, Wait For Me: Together in song, we learn to go on! There will be tunes you know and some you don’t! If you love Broadway, you won’t want to miss this show! This show will be held in Shamblin Theatre on April 25th at 7PM, the show is free to all and seats are first come first serve!