Shakespeare Returns to the Stage in the Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance’s Season Selection for Fall ‘26
BOONE, NC — Directed by Derek Davidson, Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, will open in the I. G. Greer Studio Theatre on October 28 and run through November 6. Performances are at 7 p.m. each evening with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on November 1. Performed by Appalachian State students, Davidson’s take on the show sets it Denmark, 1947.
The world of Shakespeare is one best explored through performance, whether it be acting or viewing. Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s greatest works, and is being handled with great care. It follows Hamlet through deception, depression, madness, and a wake of death as he tries to avenge his father. This modified, film-noir inspired version of Hamlet will run for approximately two and a half hours, with nine shows open for public ticket purchases and one show being performed for local Highschoolers. Significant thought and research has been put in by the director, designers and the whole production team.
Davidson expects great things from his actors. He stated, “This is one of the most challenging plays by one of the most challenging playwrights. This is big, like, Ida know, like the Hamlet of all plays--oh wait, it IS the Hamlet of all plays… Soon everything should look, sound, smell and occasionally taste of Hamlet.” Davidson’s love for Hamlet goes all the way back to his college days; he has poured years of his time into studying this play and knows it like the back of his hand. He cannot wait for the performance to be ready for the public.
Derek Davidson
Appalachian State Theatre and Dance’s production program offers a unique experiential learning opportunity for students. In addition to the fine student actors performing in this play Theatre and Dance students are involved in other aspects of this production. They include Gianna Giglio as student director, Lauren Creighton as student lighting designer, Echo McArthur as the production stage manager.
It also features Scenic Design by AppState Theatre and Dance’s new faculty scenic designer Trenton Bean.
Hamlet plays Wednesday through Sunday October 28-November 1 and November 4-6 2026. Tickets are available online at the Theatre and Dance website. General admission is $17, faculty/ staff $15, and students $10.
About the Department of Theatre and Dance
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Theatre and Dance's mission is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative, and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic co-curricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community, and the region. www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online.
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