Jackie Finney, professor of theatre and co-chair of the theatre department, is set to retire after working 31 years at Averett. Finney serves as Averett’s lighting designer, scenic designer, artistic director, and even teaches classes. He earned his undergraduate degree from Averett and his Master of Fine Arts from University of North Carolina Greensboro. Some shows he has directed at Averett include Children of Eden, Into The Woods, The Pillowman, and The Play That Goes Wrong.
“My favorite production is usually the one I am currently working on because I love certain things about each show. My favorite show that involves realistic settings would have to be The Play That Goes Wrong because of how much detail goes into the things that go wrong,” Finney said. “My favorite show that involves non-realism would probably be Children of Eden.”
Finney said, “When I first came back and started teaching, they only did two shows a year. Now we do six. The amount of opportunities for our students has evolved greatly and I would like to say the quality of shows has evolved with it.”
“My proudest moment as a professor is when my students do well. The first tech student I taught is now working for Cirque du Soleil as a lighting designer. One of my former students is now performing on cruise ships. Another one works for a traveling children’s theatre company. So, when our students do well and go out and do what they love is when I’m my proudest,” Finney said.
Finney hopes to leave behind a passion for theatre amongst his students, previous and current. “I want them to do the best they can when they’re in something or working on something and always appreciate the work that goes into a production.”
“I wish to leave a legacy of quality productions and that the theatre department at Averett is considered really good. I’m going to miss working with students the most. Working with future theatre artists that are coming out of the classroom and working on productions is something that I’ll miss getting to see,” Finney said.
Finney has just moved back to Danville, Virginia after living in Mebane, North Carolina for the past 17 years. His after retirement plans include getting his new house ready and hopefully finding some time to do some traveling.
