Steve Schultz, a well-known local theatrical performer who has also accrued extensive experience in behind-the-scenes roles, such as director, script writer, house manager and box office manager, has been named Tusculum University’s new arts outreach director.
He is responsible for creating cost-effective arts programs and delivering them to East Tennessee residents on Tusculum’s behalf. His leadership will help the university build on its history of excellence in providing high-caliber programs that enrich personal lives and enhance the region’s quality of life.
“This selection was easy because Steve is integrated so deeply into the Tusculum arts program,” said Wayne Thomas, executive director of Tusculum Arts Outreach and dean of the College of Civic and Liberal Arts. “He understands our operations because he has been extensively involved in our theatrical performances, making this transition seamless for him and us. Steve also has impressive connections with local theater groups and facilities that will make collaboration achievable on multiple levels.”
Schultz has served in Tusculum’s Office of Admission for the last five years, most recently as director of operations. When he was not working on those duties, people simply had to head to Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center on campus or some other local theater to find him. Now, he will be able to dedicate all of his attention to the arts.
He was attracted to the position because of theater’s ability to increase activity on campus and in the community without a large expense.
“Tusculum’s arts program is filled with people passionate about creating and teaching,” Schultz said. “We have a solid foundation to expand on our thriving arts community at Tusculum and in Greene County and other parts of the region. With a theater concentration for those pursuing a communication major, it will be easier to recruit local talent to attend Tusculum University. In just one month, we were able to recruit three new theater students to the university.”
The university also offers arts outreach administration as a stand-alone major and as a concentration under the communication program.
Schultz has big goals for his new role. For example, he plans to expand the Tusculum Young Actors Studio, previously known as GLAWPIGT, from 15 members to 60. The program provides free theater education and performance opportunities to local children.
“I will also be helping the local high schools and middle schools create or expand their theater programs, in some cases by providing them an opportunity to perform on our campus,” Schultz said. “I will be working on a way to provide Shakespeare and theater workshops for local high schools. I am also very excited about creating ways for the community to interact with Tusculum students with unique educational opportunities and events and assisting local community theaters with their educational offerings.
“Ultimately, my goal is to see the theater arts program expanded at Tusculum University with students that I have helped educate and inspire through programming at their high school or in their community. I believe my community involvement will also lead to larger audiences at our plays and concerts.”
Schultz has performed in more than 70 community theater productions and directed 38 others. He and his wife, Erin Hensley Schultz, also operate the Tusculum University Theatre Camp during the summer in which students create their own stories and he writes the script. He has written more than 75 scripts for his productions.
He is the founder and lead performer for Blue Plate Special, a professional short-form improvisational comedy group that has performed more than 200 shows in four states since 2013. His other experience includes serving as founder and director of Young Actors Company of Easley in South Carolina; resident actor and education coordinator for Warehouse Theatre in Greenville, South Carolina; and educator and director of South Carolina Children’s Theatre. He was also director of development and house manager for Barksdale Theatre and house manager and box office manager for Theatre Virginia.
To learn more about Tusculum arts programming, please visit https://arts.tusculum.edu/. Additional information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.
