GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College welcomes Pete Rydberg, Ph.D. as Assistant Professor of Performing Arts and Director of the Thiel Players, a position he will assume this fall. Prior to his appointment at Thiel College, Rydberg was an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Music at Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wis.
He had also served as a lecturer of theatre history, theatre pedagogy and drama in education at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Drama at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
As Assistant Professor of Performing Arts and Director of the Thiel Players, Rydberg will teach courses in history, and performance and design and stage a multiple productions each year. He will also serve as an academic adviser to students and the adviser for Alpha Psi Omega, Thiel's honorary theater fraternity. Rydberg also will actively recruit students interested in the performing arts and will pursue upgrades to the William A. Robinson Theater.
“Pete is a bundle of energy and an experienced hand at developing interesting theatre seasons,” said Lynn Franken, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “He has been at work for almost two months this summer, refreshing spaces, costumes, publications and more, as well as working with me to create an individual strategic plan for Theatre. The Thiel and surrounding communities are enthusiastically welcomed to all productions next year and will find much to enjoy!”
Rydberg earned his doctorate degree in theatre and drama with an emphasis in theatre for young audiences and his master’s in theatre and drama from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He earned his bachelor’s from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., also in theatre in drama.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.