LE3 .A278 1995

1995

Bawtree, Michael

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

English

English & Theatre Studies

"Harold Fritz Sipprell" is a name that frequently surfaces when older alumni of Acadia University recall campus dramatic activities of the past. But knowledge of his work at Acadia, even among those who knew him best, is for the most part confined to their three or four years as students. Few are aware of the full span of his achievements at Acadia in the twenty-eight years of his stewardship. Fewer still know anything of his life beyond the University. The accomplishments of this quiet, very private man brought Acadia special attention in Canada's academic and theatrical worlds, and played a major role in the development of both within the province of Nova Scotia. This thesis is designed to pull together many fragments of personal knowledge and experience, taking advantage of the memories of those alumni still living-some in their eighties, few younger than sixty-and to combine these oral accounts with as much relevant information as can be found. Chapter one is devoted to a brief account of theatre activities at Acadia between 1880 and 1930, thus setting the stage for Sipprell's arrival as a faculty member, and providing a context for his life and work. Mention is made of some of the individuals who played important roles in the development of dramatic activity on the campus, and to milestones along the way. Chapter two surveys Sipprell's work at Acadia between 1930 and 1958, featuring descriptions of the many initiatives taken by Sipprell to increase public awareness of theatre and to give his students a more rounded education in all aspects of theatre than was available anywhere else in eastern Canada. The final chapter examines Sipprell's work beyond the University both during and after his tenure.

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