About
Viking Theatre
Where students explore the "Art of Possible"
Viking Theatre is dedicated to enriching the lives of all students and community members by bringing the highest caliber theatrical experiences to life. Viking Theatre encourages all students and community members to participate actively in all aspects of the stage, including performance, design, marketing, technology integration, and much more.
As part of Viking Theatre, students learn skills and build a work ethic which will make them highly valuable members of the global community.
At Viking Theatre, we’re not just putting on a show—we’re creating better people!
Want to be a part of something special? Contact Us!
Our Team
Viking Theatre is wildly successful because we have committed, talented students, skilled and experienced staff, and parent boosters who support and enable everything we do. Together we strive to create one of the best high school drama programs anywhere!
Russ Staggs, Director
Mr. Staggs has 18 years of teaching experience, primarily in the Drama classroom, but also as an English and Journalism teacher. He received his BA in English with a minor in Theatre from James Madison University in 1999. Ten years later, Mr. Staggs received his MA in Theatre Studies from Regent University where he had the opportunity to work with Victoria Jackson (former Saturday NIght Live member) among other prominent professionals in Theatre.
Mr. Staggs began his career in 1999 at his alma mater, Great Bridge High School, in Chesapeake, VA, where he taught for 8 years. Students under Mr. Staggs’ direction raked in several dozen acting, playwriting, and design awards state and nationwide, including 2 state champion productions and multiple state-runner up productions, primarily written by Mr. Staggs and his students.
Mr. Staggs also taught 4 years at Grassfield High, the newest high school in Chesapeake, VA. In their first two years, the Grassfield Theatre department won four consecutive VHSL District Theatre Competitions, ranked 2nd in the state twice and won the VHSL AAA State Theatre Festival. In addition, the Fine Arts Department collaborated on three major musical productions involving nearly 100 students each: Guys & Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, and Les Mis.
Mr. Staggs also taught at the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School, a one-of-a-kind school in Western Massachusetts where the arts are the center of education. As a result, Mr. Staggs brings a unique perspective on the benefits and need of arts integration and collaboration in the traditional classroom.
Most recently, Mr. Staggs stated the drama program at John Champe High School where they received 2nd place at the VHSL District Competition and 3rd at the VHSL Regional Competiton--nearly unprecedented success for a first-year theatre program.
In addition to his extensive teaching experience, Mr. Staggs has been an active participant in the community. He has played various roles as part of Tidewater Community College’s Annual Shakespeare In The Grove for 15 years; served as a Board Member for the Virginia Theatre Association for 5 years, including the office of Vice President; and he has worked closely with students in various Hampton Roads high schools and colleges in hopes of bolstering the already strong artistic presence in the area.
Parent Boosters
Karen Herr, President
Liz Little, Vice President
Jill Watts, Treasurer
Becky Ring, Secretary