Professor to explore Scotland’s influence in theatre

Posted on Friday, January 17, 2025

No one who knows Kim Barber Knoll will be surprised that the Theatre Arts Professor promises surprises in her opening lecture as the college begins its 15^th annual 3D Journeys series on Monday, January 27, at 10 a.m., in Turner Hall. This year’s travel and lectures will focus on Scotland, beginning with Knoll’s presentation entitled “From Lerner and Loewe to Shakespeare.”

“There will be theatrical touches,” said Knoll. “We’re not just gonna talk.”

Dr. Lauranne Buchanan, who co-chairs the 3D (Discover, Discuss, Develop) Committee with Ann Beason, expects the Knoll approach will appeal to audience members. The lectures typically attract 75-100, most of them “lifelong learners but armchair travelers.” About 30 participants will take an excursion to Scotland led by President Susanna Baxter and First Gentleman Mark Huffman beginning May 27. Registration is still open.

“Scotland is a fascinating topic and Professor Knoll is known for her lively and engaging style. Whether or not you plan to travel, we encourage you to join us for an enriching and stimulating morning,” Buchanan said.

A Tennessee native who joined the LC faculty in 1995, Knoll remains as enthusiastic about her work as she was the day she first stepped into Price Theater. Having studied, performed, and taught in New York, New Hampshire and California, she recalls being “blown away by the wonderful facility at this little college in Georgia.”

A self-described Southern girl at heart, she realized the opportunity fit her desire to get back to her Southern roots. Knoll found a home on the Hill.

“I love what I do, and I love this college,” she said.

Studying theatre, she believes, is about much more than learning to act.

“It’s training the whole person,” she said. “We are unbelievably lucky to have Price Theater. It’s really a gem. So is Lamar Dodd Art Center, and through the years, we have had administrators who appreciate the arts.”

The theme for the 3D series is “Landscapes of Scotland,” and Knoll’s lecture will highlight two of the most famous and fabled theatrical settings of all time: Brigadoon, a magical village in the Scottish Highlands, and MacBeth, known to theatre people as “the Scottish play,” and set on the Scottish heath and in the murderous king’s castle.

Both plays are based on historical references but made into “compelling theatre,” she explained, describing her presentation as a work in progress.

“I’m still digging into those historical references,” she said.

The 3D Journeys concept of providing educational and travel opportunities to the community meshes perfectly with Knoll’s idea of what a college should be.

“Part of our mission is to serve,” she said. “I appreciate that the knowledge we have is not just confined to the classroom. I am happy to share with everyone who is interested in learning. The doors are open.”

One recent example of outreach was the Musical Theatre program’s fall production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

“It was a challenge and a joy to bring in two dozen elementary school students to perform as Munchkins,” Knoll said.

The children came to Price Theater for practice every Saturday for eight weeks, then performed in all four shows October 24-27.

“It was a huge commitment for the families and for the college,” Knoll observes. “But think of the opportunity for those children to be part of a full-scale, professional stage production. They took it seriously and did an amazing job.”

In addition to being one of the longest-tenured professors at LaGrange College, Knoll is among the most honored. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in acting from UCLA where she received both the Jack Nicholson award and the Hugh O'Brien award.

Knoll is a recent recipient of the Flora Glenn Candler Professorship, awarded to a faculty member in recognition of teaching effectiveness, contribution to the life and work of the college community and service to the community at large. She is also a recipient of the John R. Hines, Jr. Undergraduate Research Award and a two-time recipient of the United Methodist teaching award given to a faculty member who “inspires the souls of students.”

An Equity actor and director for more than 40 years, Knoll has appeared in more than 60 productions and directed more than 70. She has continued to perform and direct throughout her teaching career, reflecting her firm belief that “those who teach must do.”

Her goal for the lecture is the same as what she brings to every class.

“I hope to bring energy and make it memorable,” she said.”

 

Campus Notes                                                                     

 

• LC Alumni and Community Relations is hosting Alumni and Friends Day at the Braves on June 14 at 4 p.m. Attendees can come to Truist Park and enjoy the Atlanta Braves game against the Colorado Rockies in a private rooftop patio area overlooking right field. Registration for the event includes a $20 voucher for food, beverages and merchandise at the park. The first 100 tickets are available at a discounted rate of $87 due to sponsorships from two anonymous donors. After the first 100 tickets are sold, or after Feb. 21, ticket prices will increase. Ticket sales close on March 11. Those interested can register online. For more information, contact Bailey Eden ’24, Alumni and Development Coordinator, at beden@lagrange.edu or 706-880-8244.
• Campus offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

 

Collegiate Enrichment

Defining Leadership

Monday, Jan. 20

3 p.m., Bailey Room

• This session will focus on defining leadership and discussing what leadership engagement looks like at the college. The event kicks off a new series called Monday Night Leadership.

Student Activism and Engagement

Monday, Jan. 20

4 p.m., Bailey Room

• This lecture will reflect on lessons learned during the MLK Speaker Event—and learn about aspects of student activism, engagement and service.

Sports Management Club Welcomes Chris Carminucci

Tuesday, Jan. 21

11 a.m., Dickson Assembly Room, Turner Hall

• Chris Carminucci ’96, professional scout and independent league scouting coordinator for the Arizona Diamondbacks, will speak about his career experiences.

LC Blood Drive

Thursday, Jan. 23

11 a.m., Dickson Assembly Room

• Join SGA as it sponsors a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross.

Lynching Memorial Field Trip

Thursday, Jan. 23

2 p.m., Off Campus

• Spiritual Life will take a group of students on a field trip to Warren Temple United Methodist Church to learn about the tragic history of the lynching of African Americans in Troup County. The memorial ceremony includes an apology from local police and city officials. The Rev. Carl Von Epps will also be speaking and sharing his insights.

Social Sharing

Thursday, Jan. 23

3 p.m., Bailey Room

• A panel of LC students and alumni will provide important information about the significance of internships.

 

Sports

Men's Basketball

LC wrapped up its conference-opening road trip at Piedmont on Tuesday, Jan. 14, a game which saw sophomore Kameron McCall post a season-high 23 points in the Panthers' 110-82 loss. They will have the opportunity to bounce back on Friday, Jan. 17, as they host Maryville in their first home game of 2025 in Mariotti Gym at 6 p.m.

Women's Basketball

The Panthers similarly finished their road stretch to start the year, going 2-2 in that span to open conference play. Senior Zyhia Johnson shined in the Panthers' battle against Piedmont, scoring her 1,000th career point in just two and a half seasons in an LC uniform. The team ultimately fell to Piedmont 65-81. They will look to build off the energy as they host Maryville on Friday, Jan. 17, at Mariotti Gym at 4 p.m.

 

Panther Calendar

(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)

Friday, Jan. 17 – Women’s Basketball vs. Maryville (Home), 4 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Friday, Jan. 17 – Men’s Basketball vs. Maryville (Home), 6 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Saturday, Jan. 18 – Women’s Basketball vs. Asbury (Home), 2 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Saturday, Jan. 18 – Men’s Basketball vs. Asbury (Home), 4 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Women’s Basketball at Agnes Scott, 5 p.m., Decatur, Georgia

Category: Community, Events, Arts and Culture

Keywords: Theatre, History