• Return to Normal University Operations on Thursday, Feb. 20

    Lenoir-Rhyne University will return to normal university operations on Thursday, Feb. 20, at our all of our campus locations—Hickory, Columbia and Asheville. Classes will resume as scheduled, and all offices will be open.

    UPDATE: Feb. 20, 9:15 a.m. (from Academic Affairs)
    Due to the recent weather changes in Hickory, you may opt to move your classes to remote delivery today if you have concerns about safely traveling to campus. If you choose to hold classes remotely, please notify your students and your dean as soon as possible.

    For those holding in-person classes, we ask that you exercise flexibility with attendance policies, understanding that some students may face transportation challenges or safety concerns. Students should not feel compelled to risk unsafe travel conditions to attend class.

    Please communicate your teaching plans to your students and your dean.

    Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring everyone's safety while maintaining academic continuity.

Playmakers return, announces auditions


Lenoir-Rhyne University announces audition calls for its 2021 Playmakers production of "Next to Normal." The auditions are Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. in Belk Centrum.

"Next to Normal" is adapted from the 2008 rock musical and book with lyrics written by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. It tells the story of a mother diagnosed with bipolar disorder and how that impacts her family.

The performance is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) with all authorized performance materials supplied by MTI. Theatre professor Lindsay Weitkamp directs the show, and Christopher Nigrelli provides musical direction.

The show will run Wednesday, Nov. 10 through Saturday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m. in Belk Centrum.

For auditions, potential cast members should prepare one verse from two contrasting songs, bring sheet music — songs can be from the show or a similar style — and be prepared to read from the script. Masks and proof of a vaccination card are also required to audition.

For more information about the audition process or the production, contact Weitkamp at lindsay.weitkamp@lr.edu.

University Updates text with Lenoir-Rhyne University logo

Lenoir-Rhyne University will return to normal university operations on Thursday, Feb. 20, at our all of our campus locations—Hickory, Columbia and Asheville. Classes will resume as scheduled, and all offices will be open.

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Tishara Sneed stands next to her art on exhibit, a woven design with traditional masks

Appearing in “The Art of Profession” exhibition, the four students shared work inspired by nature, street art and Indigenous cultures.

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