The University of Tennessee Theatre Department and the Clarence Brown Theatre have announced that Theatre Department Head and CBT Producing Artistic Director Calvin MacLean will be retiring August 1, 2021, after 15 years in the position.
During MacLean’s tenure, the UT Theatre Department’s MFA program has risen to eighth in national ranking according to the Hollywood Reporter listing — in the company of major northeastern theatre schools like the Juilliard School, Yale School of Drama, and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He was also responsible for a program that commissioned playwrights to develop new plays specifically for the MFA acting and design students. These plays included The Open Hand by Rob Caisley, and People Where They Are by Anthony Clarvoe, productions that MacLean also directed.
MacLean guided the Clarence Brown Theatre into an innovative collaboration with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, producing and directing a number of productions, including Amadeus, Sweeney Todd, and Candide.
MacLean’s legacy and influence will be felt for years to come as the CBT and the Theatre Department move on into the future, notably with the continuation of work to upgrade current facilities and to build a new Carousel Theatre.
“His legacy,” said Theresa Lee, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, “includes a transformational gift from President Boyd in honor of his wife Jenny to build a new Carousel Theatre and set the stage for UT theatre in the Knoxville community for many more years to come. And, of course, the bathroom facilities in the Clarence Brown Theatre!”
As the University begins a search for his replacement, Professor and Associate Department Head, Casey Sams, will serve as Interim Department Head. Professor and Co-Artistic Director, Kate Buckley, will serve as Interim Artistic Director of the CBT.
