The Maestro of URI Theatre

Bonnie Bosworth first stepped foot into the URI Theatre Department in 1974. Since then, she has become the heart and soul of the department. She is committed to community-building, dedicated to ensuring every production is the best it can be, and she always prioritizes students’ well-being.

Theater has always been a part of Bonnie Bosworth’s life, and her affinity for the arts is what initially attracted her to the job at URI. As a child, she was interested in music, dance, and theater, and those interests have fueled her work in the URI Theatre Department for more than 50 years, during which time she’s helped bring more than 300 stage productions to life.

At URI, Bosworth, an administrative assistant and outreach coordinator, has, in fact, worn many more hats than her title would suggest. She has built a strong network for students and alumni and helped to secure donors for scholarships. She served as publicity director for a time, in addition to her administrative duties. She is a point of contact for students when they need help—academically and personally. And she is instrumental in every production from start to finish. By all accounts, the department simply would not be what it is today without her.

“I love working with the students,” says Bosworth, “I think that’s probably my favorite thing that I do. One day, I might help an upperclassman who is facing personal or academic challenges, and another day it might be a freshman who is away from home for the first time and just needs some reassurance and someone to listen. I’m always happy to help.”

Another strength that Bosworth brings to her role is her ability to connect with families.

“I work hard to help them understand the benefits of studying theater at URI. I try to make them aware that a degree in theater, whether they work in theater or not, will give them skills that will assist them regardless of their future career choices,” says Bosworth.

For example, Bosworth recounts that during a recent campus visit, a former theater student—now an RN—credited the theater department with developing his skills in public speaking, creative thinking, problem-solving, and leadership.

Bosworth explains that URI’s theater program doesn’t just train actors; it produces dynamic, well-rounded artists. Every actor on stage at URI knows how the set around them was built, how their costume came together piece by piece, and how and why the lighting design works for a particular production. That broad knowledge fosters a level of mutual respect and understanding, in the theater and beyond.

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URI Theatre stages four productions each year. Bosworth is involved in every stage of each production, often staying on campus well after hours. Her to-do list includes everything from paying royalties to coordinating publicity, as well as working with directors and with set, costume, and lighting designers (both in-house and guest artists), and ensuring the box office is ready for ticket sales.

While actors step into the spotlight and designers and directors breathe life into the words on the page, it is the attention to detail behind the curtain that keeps productions on track.

“I love challenges,” says Bosworth. “And I think staging a theater production is a real challenge. But it’s a good challenge. It’s a great feeling to help people achieve their goals and dreams. It’s wonderful seeing the audience leave feeling the magic of theater. These are just a few of the many reasons I love my job.”

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Bosworth fosters collaboration and camaraderie, which underpin the department’s alumni network. Former students often return to visit, participate in productions, or speak at workshops for current students. Most productions have at least half a dozen alumni involved as prop masters, scenic artists, carpenters, makeup artists, and in other roles.

“Bonnie is the heart of the URI Theatre Department,” says department chair Paula McGlasson. “She is the glue that holds it all together. Whether you are a student, a staff or faculty member, a guest artist, or a volunteer, she treats all people with kindness, concern, and respect. She is ever hopeful and resourceful in her advocacy for our department. She gives 100% of herself to the people she works with and the department she proudly represents.”

The magic an audience experiences when going to the theater is the sum of its parts. Bosworth works tirelessly to ensure that magic is felt by everyone involved in the department’s productions—not just the audiences.

“I’m so proud to be a part of what we do. I think the URI theatre program is the best in New England,” says Bosworth.

—Paige Monopoli

PHOTO: JESSE DUFAULT