IU Theatre + Dance is pleased to bring in distinguished artists and scholars for its Collins Lecture series, providing insight, history, and the creativity of professionals to our students and greater Bloomington community.
Collins Memorial Lecture
Melissa Rain Anderson- 2026 Collins Memorial Lecturer
Join Melissa Rain Anderson on January 21st for an exciting conversation moderated by Visiting Assistant Professor Grant Goodman, in which Melissa will discuss her professional journey, the importance of training for emerging theatre and film artists, and the current and future climate for American regional and New York theatre. Melissa will also respond to audience questions following the moderated discussion.
During her residency in our department from January 12 - February 14, 2026, Melissa is directing IUT+D's production of Pride and Prejudice by Kate Hamill, from the iconic novel by Jane Austen. As a director, Melissa is hailed for her energetic and whimsical productions, with emphasis on hilarious and heartfelt wordplay -- a perfect fit for Hamill's adaptation. Melissa will also be joining several classes in early Spring semester, to speak to students about their training and their preparation for a future in the industry.
We are excited to welcome Melissa Rain Anderson to IU to engage with our students, staff and faculty, and the wider Bloomington community.
2026 Collins Memorial Lecture Details
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Collins Memorial Lecture
5:30-6:45 pm
Lee Norvelle Theatre
and Drama Center Room: A201
Free & Open to the Public
About Melissa Rain Anderson
Melissa Rain Anderson is a New York City based Director, Actor and Acting Coach. Melissa directs in New York City and regionally, specializing in Contemporary Plays, Shakespeare and Musicals. Regional credits include The Denver Center, Utah Shakespeare Festival, TUTS Houston, Rep. Theater St. Louis, Cleveland Playhouse, Alabama Shakespeare, Westport Country Playhouse, Geva Theater, Syracuse Stage and Pioneer Theatre Co. Her acting credits include Network TV, National Tours, City Center Encores!, Off-Broadway, Regional, and Voice Over work, as well as several cast recordings. She teaches master classes regularly with emphasis on Audition Technique, Monologues and Acting Through Song. Melissa coaches acting privately in Midtown Manhattan. She is a proud member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Actors Equity Association and The Screen Actors Guild. please visit melissarainanderson.com
About Ralph L. Collins
Ralph L. Collins (1907-1963) was born in Eclectic, Alabama. He was educated at the University of the South, where he earned a B.A. in 1928, and at Yale University, where he earned a Ph.D. in 1933. Before joining the Department of English at Indiana University in 1935, he did editorial work for Atlantic Monthly and taught one year at the University of Tennessee. At Indiana, he served as varsity tennis coach from 1940 to 1945 and as director of the Writers Conference from 1941 to 1948. He was named assistant dean of faculties in 1948, and vice president and dean of faculties in 1959.
As a teacher and scholar, Dean Collins was principally interested in the area of theatre and drama. He published articles in the area of theatre and drama, including many in Modern Language Notes, Philosophical Quarterly, Theatre Annual, and University of Kansas Review. For many years, he taught undergraduate courses in modern drama and in Shakespeare and a graduate seminar on George Bernard Shaw.
Even after assuming his many administrative duties, Dean Collins maintained his interest in theatre. For him, drama was not merely a form of entertainment. It was an intense presentation of behavior, a projection of gestures of mind and heart, and a searching analysis of motives and moral foundation. No static memorial could honor the memory of Ralph L. Collins as does this memorial lecture series.
The College of Arts