As he begins his retirement, the Department of Drama salutes Professor John W. Frick, Jr. on his contributions to the department over the years.  John received his B.A. from Colgate University, and M.A. from the University of Montana, and his Ph.D. from New York University’s Department of Performance Studies.  He began his career at UVa in 1987 after having taught at the University of Wisconsin – Fon Du Lac and Long Island University.  During his tenure at U.Va., he singlehandedly taught the drama curriculum in history and literature for our undergraduate program, was the co-creator of the capstone Senior Seminar.  Prof. Frick also taught a number of graduate courses in history and the graduate Introduction to Research course.

John is a past President and current member of the American Theatre and Drama Society and a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Performing Arts Leadership in Higher Education and if the American Society for Theatre Research liaison to the British Theatre Research Society.  Prof. Frick was the recipient of the Betty Jean Jones Award for Outstanding Teacher of American Theatre and Drama awarded by the American Theatre & Drama Scoiety.

In November 2012, Professor Frick’s book Uncle Tom's Cabin on the American Stage and Screen was published to critical acclaim.  You can read more about this book here.  He has been invited to read from his book at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in April 2013.

Professor Frick has just returned from London, but has more travel in his future.  He plans to travel to Vienna, Austria, summer travel across the United States, and annually to London.  He is also planning a fall production, Homage to Jazz, Licks and Riffs, 1915-1975, with drama professor Richard Warner.  We wish John all the best in his retirement!