Claire Richardson ’16 establishes performing arts experiential learning endowment
Claire Richardson grew up feeling called by stories — from books, movies, television, the stage and travel. She spent a lot of time reading and daydreaming, and by middle school, she knew she had a passion for the performing arts. By the end of high school, she realized that she wanted to study performing arts at Clemson University, a large university with a small-but-mighty program.
From her Clemson audition senior year of high school through her first productions freshman year, her first leading role as a sophomore and last as a senior, and to this day as a proud alumna, Claire was surrounded by consistent support from department faculty and staff. Associate Professor of Theatre Kerrie Seymour was especially grounding for Claire and never more so than the summer before her sophomore year, when Claire’s father, Jon, passed away. Claire says her Clemson Journey was filled with examples of how much the University cares about students, supporting her professionally and personally, and creating safe, healthy environments where students can learn more about themselves and the world around them.
Since graduating, Claire has pursued writing and performance opportunities in New York City. Claire’s creative work blends comedy and emotional storytelling. She developed an original pilot, Black Sheep, which earned recognition at the nationally competitive Austin Film Festival. Throughout her Clemson and career journeys, Claire’s father was never far from her mind. Jon always encouraged his children to think about how they might one day give back in gratitude for all they have received. After thoughtful consideration, Claire has established the Jon Richardson Experiential Learning Endowed Travel Grant-in-Aid in her father’s memory.
The Richardson family’s Clemson ties stretch back to the football field. Brothers Jon, a University of North Carolina alumnus, and Mark Richardson ’83 represented rival ACC programs during Clemson’s 1981 national championship season. Jon later coordinated travel for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers to and from Clemson during their 1995 inaugural season.
This endowment will support experiential learning opportunities for Clemson’s performing arts students, ensuring that current and future generations of Tigers can have the same transformative experiences that shaped her.
Members of The Clemson Players student theatre ensemble already are feeling the impact. “As a stage manager and a first-generation college student, being able to work on a show that will be performed on one of the most renowned theatre stages in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, is an experience I never imagined having,” said Logan Davis ’27, a performing arts (theatre concentration) and criminal justice major from Asheville, North Carolina.
The experiences and opportunities Claire’s gift provides to current and future performing arts students will further elevate the department, moving students and our University Fiercely Forward.
