Stage III Renamed the Dorothy 'Dottie' Marshall Englis Theatre

January 26, 2026

Image: Paul Steger, Dean of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts, presents Dorothy "Dottie" Marshall Englis with a plaque and the plans for the renovation of Stage III.

Stage III, Webster's original performing arts theatre on its St. Louis Campus, was rechristened The Dorothy "Dottie" Marshall Englis Theatre in honor of long-time costume design professor Dottie Englis, who retired in 2022 after 40 years of teaching. Dottie is an emeritus member of the faculty.

The ceremony was attended by students, faculty, staff, trustees and Englis' friends. The ceremony took place on January 16, Englis' birthday.

"This is all extremely humbling," Englis said. "Webster has long been home to me, and this theater is located directly before the chapel where my husband Matt and I were married. But more importantly, this theater has always been a part of the Webster community. It is a space for collaboration, inspiration, and friendship. It may be named after me, but it is for our students."

The renovations were possible due to the generosity of Englis' life-long friend Stephen Popiel, as well as Dottie and her husband Matthew Englis.

That money was put to good use. The donations revamped Stage III, located on the ground floor of Webster Hall. That space served as the only performing arts space at Webster until the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts was built in 1966. Because the Loretto-Hilton Center has two performing arts spaces, the Webster Hall theater was renamed "Stage III." During the past 60 years, not much has changed in the space, except for the occasional paint job, or the replacement of lights or electronics that no longer met modern standards.

Now, thanks to the donations, the space has been revamped. It has a new control room, new lighting, a steel-reinforced entryway, a new lobby display, new dressing rooms, new storage, remodeled bathrooms and green rooms, and new window shades. Several students were at the renaming ceremony and commented on the new space, including that students are already referring to the revamped space as "The Dot."

"This space feels open and like home, and it wouldn't be possible without Dottie," Sarah Reesor said.

"This is a place where Conservatory students gather weekly to share ideas," Dylan Rhodes said. "It really feels like a community space."

During the ceremony, several students performed musical pieces, with an emphasis on music by the Beatles, Englis' favorite group. Paul Steger, the dean of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts, also presented Englis with the original drawings used to renovate the space, as well as a commemorative plaque.

"She had a significant impact in her career at Webster University, including overseeing more than 100 productions, serving as the head of Webster's London campus, and serving as president of the faculty senate," Steger said. "Because of her impact on the greater arts community, the Webster Groves Arts Commission announced they will be presenting her with a lifetime achievement award later this year."

And then he led the crowded room in a rendition of the song "Happy Birthday" to complete the festivities.

Visit the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts page to learn more about its programs and facilities.

Tags:

• sargent conservatory of theatre arts
• advancement
• home page
• facilities
• webster groves campus
• alumni
• leigh gerdine college of fine arts

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