Frank C. Rutledge

Professor of Directing and Theatre History, holds degrees from The Ohio State University in History, Philosophy, and Theatre where he also attended law school. He has toured extensively in Michigan and the Midwest with Medea, Hamlet, and St. Joan, among other plays; and has directed in New York and other professional and semi-professional theatres. He is a student of the Renaissance and Baroque periods of Theatre History, as well as that of the 19th Century. He toured classical theatre sites under a sabbatical leave grant in Europe, Greece, Turkey, and has made several films. His productions include Scapino, Hamlet, Beaux Strategem, The Birthday Party, Macbeth, and 150 other works. Professor Rutledge served as Department Chairperson from 1971 to 1982; was a member of the initiation committee of the University/Resident Theatre Association; and was on the original committee for the planning and design of the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. He created, with Professor Geist, the award-winning Summer Circle Theatre and directs the SIMPLY SHAKESPEARE Tour of Michigan's secondary schools. He is the Director of the MSU Opera House Study.