Dr. Reginald Skene

Dr. Reginald Skene’s vision and leadership was the catalyst that created The University of Winnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Drama. Under Skene’s guidance the present pre-professional program, the Department of Theatre & Drama flourished and gained respect as one of Canada’s premiere theatre programs.

In 1967, while a member of the English Department, he was appointed Director of Theatre. At the time, there was only one curricular course in theatre and a modest extra-curricular production program. Under Skene’s leadership this ‘extra’ was developed into a full Department of Theatre and Drama by 1982. Currently The University of Winnipeg has a four-year pattern of theatre education, a four production mainstage season and an ambitious studio season, all operating on a professional model.

Skene obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Arts from the University of Manitoba and earned his Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. He became a faculty member of The University of Winnipeg in 1965.

His scholarly interests cover the spectrum of the theatre including, History of Theatre in Winnipeg, Theatrical and Dramatic Criticism, Shakespearean Interpretation, Theory of Acting, Actor Training, Theatre Aesthetics and Directing Technique.

He has been an external examiner of the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, School of Drama in 2001, evaluating the school’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program in drama and has been a consultant for Manitoba Arts Council.

Skene has contributed to countless books and journal articles, as well as serving as the theatre critic on CBC Radio and in the Winnipeg Free Press.

Currently Senior Scholar at UWinnipeg, Skene retired in 2002 after nearly 40 years. During his career, Skene held leadership positions in The University of Winnipeg Faculty Association for 15 years and also sustained a multi-faceted professional career as a productive scholar, writer, reviewer and director.