Actors' Equity Artist-in-Residence Program

Each academic year, the Department of Theatre and Dance appoints at least two members of the Actors’ Equity Association, a union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States, as Artists-in-Residence. In addition to teaching basic acting courses, the Equity Artists-in-Residence play roles in mainstage productions and may teach courses in their area of specialty, such as acting for film, stage combat or period styles. The close interaction between students and professionals creates a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experience between master teacher and aspiring artist.

Current Artists-in-Residence:

d.l. Hopkins is an award winning actor and veteran poet. As a founding member of Ernie McClintock's Jazz Actors Theatre, Mr. Hopkins not only toured as a fellow repertory artist, but taught Mr. McClintock's Jazz Actor's technique. He has the honor of performing on every major Richmond stage and has appeared in numerous motion pictures and television shows. Mr. Hopkins is also an accomplished spoken word artist who, along with the nonprofit groups Yellowhouse and James River Writers, has created and hosts Richmond's longest running monthly poetry slam series. He is thrilled to have yet another opportunity to work with the very talented students and faculty at the University of Richmond.

April A. Jones received her MFA in Theatre Pedagogy from VCU, and her BA in Theatre from North Carolina Central University.  She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, and has over twenty years of experience in the performing arts as a performer, stage manager, director, writer, dramaturg, teacher and administrator.  Jones has worked at a number of theatres including, Arena Stage, Studio Theatre, Source Theatre, Billie Holiday Theatre, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, and Actors’ Theatre of Charlotte.  She has been recognized on various occasions by Creative Loafing Magazine as Theatre Person of the Year and Director of the Year, and was featured in an article in Southern Living Magazine titled She’s Got the Spirit.  Jones is also a voice over artist, SAFD proficient in unarmed combat, and the mother of two sons.