wwudrama
wwudrama is the theatre arts program on the Walla Walla University campus. We are dedicated to producing uplifting, creative, and meaningful theatre for the campus and community.
In 1961 Professor Donnie Rigby directed a stage play for the Walla Walla College Aleph Gimel Ain (AGA) club weekend. From this humble beginning, drama offerings expanded to a fully staged play being produced at least once a year. The rich tradition continues today, growing into two facilities and a full season, including two main stage productions, and an annual student-directed Festival of Shorts.
Upcoming Shows
Festival of Shorts: Once Upon a Walla
March 1, 7, 8, 14
Village Hall
This March, wwudrama celebrates its storied legacy with the Festival of Shorts: Once Upon a Walla, a “fairytales gone wrong” sketch show that subverts classic tropes through three original student and alumni scripts. A campus tradition since 1973, this year's production features everything from Arthurian failures to a multiverse of "Jacks," hosted by School of Business Dean David Lennox at Village Hall. Performances run March 1, 7, 8, and 14, offering the community a "happily ever after" that is as comedic as it is unconventional.
Celebrating 65 Years of Drama
Alumni Showcase
April 25, 2026
Village Hall
Alumni and friends of wwudrama are invited to participate in the showcase celebrating 65 years of drama. The showcase will feature alumni and current students performing short scenes or monologues from their favorite show. Want to be a part of the showcase? Submit an interest form now.
Walla Walla University Campus Theatre Venues
Village Hall
One of the oldest buildings still standing on campus, Village Hall is an icon of Walla Walla University. The building, with its castle-like tower, was built in 1920 as the campus church. In 1939 the campus church moved to Columbia Auditorium and the building served as the College Place Village Church until 1962. It remained a sacred space until 1971, when it became the home for Walla Walla College drama. The building retains much of its original features: the beautiful stained glass windows remain, but the old church pews have been replaced with much more comfortable theatre-style seats. The organ is long gone. A large screen and projector have been added enabling additional uses for the venue. With its imposing exterior and charming interior, Village Hall is a truly beautiful space for theatre.
Directions: Village Hall is located on the Walla Walla University Campus (204 S College Ave, College Place, WA 99324.) It is on College Ave directly across from the administration building.
The Donnie Rigby Stage
Named for Donnie Rigby—who founded and spent 31 years leading Walla Walla College Drama—the Donnie Rigby Stage is wwudrama’s state of the art theatre space. The Stage’s key characteristic is its flexibility. Seating changes for each show, allowing for anything from multiple stages to theatre in the round. A lighting grid covers the entire room, allowing any part of the theatre to be lit. This theatre has no "front" so the stage is also very intimate, with seating for only about 100 people, which allows for state of the art equipment, incredible flexibility, and a sense of closeness to the action.
Directions: The Donnie Rigby Stage is on the west end of the Walla Walla University Campus in the Canaday Technology Center. The parking lot is on the corner of SW 4th St. and SW Davis Ave. The Entrance is located to the left of Positive Life Radio.
Walla Walla University Drama
204 S College Ave
College Place, WA 99324
wwudrama Box Office
(509) 527-2832
Support the drama program
Donate to wwudrama here