Image: Julie Ray, head of UGA's Department of Theatre and Film, is extending her leadership beyond the classroom with two professional scenic design credits at The Hippodrome Theatre in 2025. Ray designed the sets for Pump Boys and Dinettes, which opened May 30, and the Hitchcock-inspired The 39 Steps, currently running in Gainesville, FL. The two shows highlight her range, from the musical’s down-home diner atmosphere to the fast-paced comedy and quick-change staging of the Hitchcock spoof. As department chair and professor of scenic design, Ray oversees curriculum and mentors the next generation of theatre artists. By working professionally while leading UGA’s program, she keeps her skills sharp, models industry practice for her students and strengthens ties between academia and regional theatre.
