Feature Story
SVU Theatre Honors Amaree Cluff with Benefit Concert Reading of “Treasure Island”
On Oct. 9, members of the Southern Virginia University and local community gathered for a special benefit concert reading of “Treasure Island,” an original play adaptation written by Professor of Theatre Amaree Cluff. The evening honored Cluff’s years of service, celebrated her designation as professor emeritus, and offered support following her recent retirement as she focuses on treatment for pancreatic cancer.
“So many people’s lives have been touched by her incredible teaching, her compassion, and her extreme talent,” said Associate Professor of Theatre Dallyn Bayles. “We are so grateful to have this opportunity to come here to show our support and express our gratitude for all that she has done, not only for us individually, but for SVU and this theatre program as a whole.”
Before the reading began, Division of Arts Chair Megan Mason formally announced that the university had awarded Cluff emeritus status following a nomination supported by her colleagues across campus.
“Emeritus status is granted to professors who have contributed to the community in deeply significant ways through service, quality teaching, and recognized scholarship,” said Mason. “There is no one on this campus who would ever disagree with that. SVU loves Amaree Cluff, and we are grateful for her extraordinary contributions to our university family.”
A 2007 graduate of Southern Virginia University, Cluff performed frequently on stage and worked in costume design as a student before earning her Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Virginia in 2014. She returned to SVU in 2015, serving as a professor of acting and costume designer through Spring 2026. Her performance credits include productions with Tennessee Shakespeare Company, Heritage Theater Festival, Virginia Rep, Imagination Stage, and Virginia Shakespeare Festival, along with design and writing credits for several SVU productions, including “Martin and Margaret and the M.I.N.D.S.W.A.P.” and “Treasure Island.”
Professor of Theatre David Dwyer recalled performing alongside Cluff when she was a student in SVU’s 2004 production of “Into the Woods.”
“What a great student she is, what a great actress, singer, teacher, director, and person,” said Dwyer. “There are so many wonderful memories working together on stage, and we are so blessed to celebrate her incredible legacy tonight.”
Surrounded by colleagues, former students, and friends, Cluff thanked those who had gathered to support her.
“To have so many people I love all together in one place—I feel like there aren’t a lot of people who get that experience,” said Cluff. “Thank you so much for coming. We are excited to share this story with you tonight.”
The special performance featured live sound effects, sea shanties, and audience participation. Donations from the event were dedicated to supporting Cluff with medical and living expenses, The evening concluded with a reception held in her honor in the Main Hall Ballroom.
The “Treasure Island” cast included:
Narrator: Professor Amaree Cluff
Billy Bones/Ben Gunn: Tess McGill
Juila Hawkins/Captain Smollett: Jessie Moala
Jim Hawkins: Cameron Morrison
Dr. Livesey/Abrams: Jonah Rasmussen
Blind Pew/Tom Morgan: Brayden Cluff
Squire Trelawney/Israel Hands: Kinsey Cluff
Long John Silver: Aiden Darrington
O’Brien/Jabez Carter/Mr. Anderson: Cecily Rasmussen