coming to the stage this fall
Holiday
by Philip Barry
directed by Rory Pelsue
November 4-8, 2026
The Fairfield University Theatre Program offers both classes and productions in our robust curriculum.
We foster a positive learning environment where students explore their creativity both onstage and offstage. Students may participate in all aspects of play production, whatever their major or minor.
Meet the Director of Holiday
Rory Pelsue is an Obie-winning director of new and classic plays, operas, musicals, and live-stream performances. He is best known for directing the Off-Broadway production of The Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse, the live-stream productions of This American Wife and Pulitzer Prize Finalist and Drama League Nominee Circle Jerk (and its Obie-winning in-person remount at the Connelly Theater) with Fake Friends, where he serves as Resident Director.
Fairfield Theatre Program featured in the CT Examiner
You can now donate directly to our productions!
Looking for a way to support the Fairfield Theatre Program further?
We now have a place where you can directly help us in the development of our productions.
Please add the Fairfield Theatre Program Production Fund to your list of donations.
Theatre automatically brings to mind skills such as acting, directing, designing, writing, and working with the technical elements on stage. But on top of this, by having fun participating in shows at Fairfield, you can also learn to:
Solve problems
Think creatively
Be curious
Manage projects
Work with others
Write more clearly
Explain ideas to others
Understand what makes people tick
Get a group of people to get something done
Manage your busy schedule
Develop empathy for others
Research
These are skills that will get you a job in any field.
At Fairfield, you can major or minor in theatre. Either way, you’ll take courses that teach you about Theatre as its been practiced through history and around the world. You’ll also get lots of chances to do theatre in roles such as:
actors
stage managers
designers
playwrights
directors
dramaturgs
crew members
hanging lights
sewing costumes
building and painting sets
supporting actors backstage during performances
Theatre majors can also double major!
Some examples:
English
Psychology
Sociology
History
Philosophy
Communication
Languages
Business Majors
Education Minor
A Theatre minor fits with everything.
Learn by doing: on campus, you can apply for
internships with the theatre program, which will teach you about organizing crews, marketing shows, managing audience relations, and much more through working with the faculty and staff on productions.
Expand your world: being in a prime location, Fairfield is an excellent home base internships in London, New York, or right here in Connecticut.
Prepare yourself: After graduation, you’ll be prepared to keep working in theatre, as many of our alumni have done. Or, you can become a manager, lawyer, educator--and much more. Through internships, you will gain skills in organization, management, and working on a team. That’s useful anywhere.
An internship in theatre can open many doors.
Are you ready to come play with us?
