When St. Olaf unveiled its first-ever all-college dramatic presentation in April 1921, few people could have envisioned how the following century would unfold for the fledgling theater program. St. Olaf Theater is recognized today as one of the most respected in the collegiate arts with milestones ranging from premieres to unique set designs to acclaimed acting and directing.

In St. Olaf Theater: A Centennial Celebration 1921-2021, award-winning writer Jeffrey M. Sauve, former longtime college archivist, masterfully weaves together entertaining and fascinating stories. These include the groundbreaking radio broadcast of Shakespeare’s As You Like It in 1922; the spellbinding chronicles of the supposed ghost of Kelsey Theater; the unwavering dedication of faculty pioneers like Elizabeth Walsingham Kelsey, Ralph H. Haugen, and Patrick Quade; and illuminating conversations with alumni. From cover to cover, the book is replete with engaging photographs that provide a snapshot of the theater’s 100-year history.