The College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) at Syracuse University has announced the appointment of Eleanor Holdridge as the new chair of its Department of Drama, effective July 1. Holdridge takes over from Ralph Zito, who led the department for 15 years and will now return to a part-time faculty role.
Holdridge previously served as a professor and chair at the Catholic University of America’s Department of Drama within the Rome School of Music, Drama and Art. She expressed enthusiasm about her new role, stating, “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the drama department at Syracuse. The excitement and energy of the students, the rigor and collegiality of the faculty and the opportunities for collaboration among all of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the community as a whole seem to be what America needs right now: a chance to nurture the burgeoning artists of tomorrow and to change the world.”
Michael S. Tick, dean of VPA, welcomed Holdridge’s appointment. He remarked, “I’m delighted to welcome Professor Holdridge to the college. The Department of Drama has a distinguished tradition of preparing students for successful careers in theater, film and television. Professor Holdridge’s leadership will not only enhance that legacy but also deepen our dynamic and enduring partnership with Syracuse Stage.”
Holdridge brings over 30 years of experience in directing plays. Her off-Broadway work includes world premieres such as “Selma ’65” at LaMaMa, “Steve & Idi” at Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre, and “Cycling Past the Matterhorn” at Clurman Theatre. Regionally, she directed Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me A Soprano,” David Grimm’s adaptation of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” and Lauren Gunderson’s “The Revolutionists” at Cincinnati Playhouse.
Her recent projects include directing Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville” at Alley Theatre in Houston. Upcoming works involve a workshop for Ludwig’s “Napoleon at Pemberly” also at Alley Theatre, along with “The Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” scheduled for summer 2026 at Olney Theatre.
Holdridge holds an M.F.A. from Yale School of Drama. She looks forward to advancing curricula aligned with VPA’s strategic plan: “I look forward to shaping the curricula to meet the strategic plan of the college… But really, most of all, I look forward to collaborating with the incredible Syracuse students and faculty.”
