EIU Media Relations

New Name of Movement Studio Represents “World Stage”

The movement studio in Eastern Illinois University’s Doudna Fine Arts Center was renamed in honor of alumni, Christopher and Nancy Desmond, for their love of Shakespeare and continued financial support.

The studio, now called “The Globe,” is the primary rehearsal space for all theatre students and those in theatre productions.

“Our students use the space to direct, act and rehearse for their student productions,” said J. Kevin Doolen, chairman of EIU’s theatre arts department, “The Globe Studio is the theatre lab where students learn, experiment and create. It is the heart of what we do in training and preparing our students for careers in theatre and so many related fields.”

The Desmond family supports EIU via an “All The World’s A Stage Fund” scholarship, which covers participation costs in activities such as conferences, workshops and seminars that enhance education in areas of theatre arts and business.   Eligible recipients of the award include full-time students, who major or minor in theatre arts, business or English and who are involved in theatre productions or similar activities. 

“It seemed only fitting with the Desmond family’s love for Shakespeare and theatre that the studio would be named as the Desmond’s choice not for self-recognition but in honor of all those who aspire to take the lead in the theatre, business or whatever discipline they choose,” said Bob Martin, vice president for university advancement. “The studio plays such an important role in developing and cultivating our theatre students into talented actors, directors and dancers, which goes hand-in-hand with the Desmond’s passion for theatre and EIU.”

Christopher Desmond graduated from EIU with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a minor in theatre arts in 1994 and a master of business administration in 1996. Nancy Desmond graduated from with an English degree in 1992. She also established the Lori James Memorial Scholarship at Eastern for students from single-parent households in memory of her mother.

Christopher Desmond is the chief sales officer for the private transfer pricing company, CETERIS, the largest independent provider of transfer pricing services in North America.

The dedication ceremony occurred during EIU theatre department’s 50^th  anniversary celebration on Friday, Sept. 12. The Globe Studio is located in Room 1080 in the Doudna Fine Arts Center.

The theatre arts program at EIU offers students a broad-based curriculum with a wide range of courses from theatre history, dramatic literature, basic action, stage movement, scene study, costuming and scenic lighting.  For more information about EIU’s theatre arts department, click here.