Williams Elected President of the Tennessee Theatre Association
Dr. Christine Williams, professor of theatre at Lee University, was recently elected president of the Tennessee Theatre Association (TTA).
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve our theatre community across the state, and I look forward to helping TTA navigate this interesting time during this pandemic, as well as moving forward to bring theatre to all communities in Tennessee.”
Williams first entered the TTA in 2016, serving as an East Tennessee representative. Shortly thereafter, she stepped into the chair position of TTA’s Theatre for Youth, coordinating events which hosted hundreds of children and youth at annual TTA conferences. In 2018, she moved into a two-year position as president-elect, where she was in charge of planning and running the 2019 and 2020 TTA conferences, which included theatre for youth performances, high school and community theatre festivals, workshops, keynote speakers, and screening auditions for new actors.
She will serve as president for two years before transitioning into two years as past president.
Williams joined Lee’s Communication Arts faculty in 2007, where she currently serves as both a professor and coordinator of the university’s theatre program. She has directed several Lee Theatre productions such as “Doubt,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “My Fair Lady,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Silent Sky,” and “When Mountains Move.”
She teaches courses in acting, dramatic history and literature, theory, and costume design. She has worked as a director, producer, and designer on more than 50 college, church, and community theatre productions. Williams also received Lee’s Excellence in Teaching Award this year.
“I believe it is vital to introduce young children to the art of theatre, so I have a soft spot for theatre for youth,” said Williams. “Not only does it raise up potential artists, but it also introduces young people to an art that is designed to foster empathy and understanding of others’ lives, which are vital aspects of our society.”
The Tennessee Theatre Association was founded in 1968 with the aid of a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. It provides members with workshops, programs, and seminars, as well as the opportunity to meet, work with and learn from theatre professionals both within and outside of Tennessee.
For more information about the Tennessee Theatre Association, visit https://www.tntheatre.org/.
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