Year of Graduation
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MA: Theatre and New Play Development
Directing Professor
Ruth Margraff
Abstract
There is an established precedent in the theater industry of fighting for its survival and financial stability: through constant grant applications, changes in government and foundational support, and the challenge of maintaining a strong audience base while competing with other forms of entertainment. This financial tug-of-war has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in years when theater could not be produced through traditional practices, effectively increasing the potency of these challenges the theater industry is already facing. The pandemic, along with increased access to on-demand entertainment and further inflation, has seemingly pushed the theater industry further out of cultural and societal relevance. To rectify this struggle, the societal and cultural value of theater needs to be assessed by using Neil Postman’s theory of communication and art: that there is a direct relationship between the medium a society uses to communicate and their cultural values. Through applying Postman’s theory, we find that theater has a unique capacity to promote social flourishing. Social flourishing, as defined by Jenna Bednar, allows for people to live meaningful lives by providing community, dignity, sustainability, and beauty. By focusing on a local scale and moving from a capitalist competitive model towards a model that promotes a social flourishing, the art form of theater as a whole can achieve financial stability, and thrive relationally with its community and other art organizations.
Recommended Citation
Voeller, Alex, "Theater's Need to Pursue Social Flourishing" (2026). Playwriting (MFA) Theses, Hollins University. 22.
https://digitalcommons.hollins.edu/playwritingtheses/22
Contact Information
alex.voeller@gmail.com
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the MFA in Playwriting thesis is to provide a definitive record of student progress upon completion of the degree. This text will not reflect any revisions to the play made after degree completion. For the most current version of the play, or for licensing information, please contact the author and/or the Hollins Playwriting Department.