University of New Mexico. College of fine arts

Theater at the University of New Mexico began in 1900 with the production of the play "Old Maids Convention" at the Opera House in downtown Albuquerque. The University owes much of its early theatrical success to Professor George St. Clair and Coach Roy Johnson. Together, they produced, directed, wrote, and acted in a great many plays during the 1920's and 1930's. UNM had no formal theater at the time, and productions were staged wherever an empty space could be found. In the late 1930's Professor Edwin Snapp, a former student at UNM, returned to head and revamp the Theater Department. He successfully spearheaded a campaign to implement a Bachelor of Theater Arts Degree. The Opera Workshop at UNM originated in 1949 under the supervision of Jane Snow, a well known vocalist. The Opera Workshop offered students a chance to train their voices professionally and also offered Albuquerque a chance to see productions without leaving the state. Because of her renown, Snow was able to entice professional opera singers to appear in some Opera Workshop productions, giving opera students the opportunity to sing with professionals.

Theater at the University of New Mexico began in 1900 with the production of the play "Old Maids Convention" at the Opera House in downtown Albuquerque. UNM owes much of its early theatrical success to Professor George St. Clair and Coach Roy Johnson. Together, they produced. directed, wrote, and acted in a great many plays during the 1920's and 1930's. UNM had no formal theater at the time, and productions were staged wherever an empty space could be found. In the late 1930's, Professor Edwin Snapp, a former student at UNM, returned to head and revamp the Theater Department. He successfully spearheaded a campaign to implement a Bachelor of Theater Arts Degree, and UNM's Theater Department began a new era--legitimized and ambitious.

The Opera Workshop at UNM originated in 1949 under the supervision of Jane Snow, a well known vocalist. The Opera workshop offered students a chance to train their voices professionally and also offered Albuquerque a chance to see productions of "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Cosi FanTutte" without leaving the state. Because of her renown, Snow was able to entice professional opera singers to appear in some Opera Workshop productions, enhancing the material and giving opera students the opportunity to sing with professionals.