BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Spring 2026 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series will kick off with five theatrical performances, followed by visits from three acclaimed authors.
The season opens with five performances of playwright Kira Rockwell’s oh to be pure again — a story that follows a young counselor at a church summer camp as she guides a group of teen girls seeking an authentic connection with something larger than themselves, only to confront disillusionment in her own faith. The play is a visceral ode to desire, submission, rebellion, and growing up in a culture obsessed with purity.
Directed by Dr. Paulette Marty, performances of "oh to be pure again" run Wednesday, Feb. 25 through Sunday, March 1 at 7 p.m. in App State's Valborg Theater. Tickets — $10 for students and children and $17 for adults — can be purchased online, by phone (828-262-4046), and at the Valborg Theatre Box Office. The performances are co-sponsored by App State's Department of Theatre and Dance and College of Fine and Applied Arts.
The series continues with visits from three acclaimed authors, in order of appearance:
Tim Earley, on Wednesday, March 18
Lillian-Yvonne Bertram, on Thursday, March 26
Gary Wheeler, on Wednesday, April 8
In afternoon programs beginning at 3:30 p.m., each author will lead talks on the craft of writing. Through these talks, aspiring writers can learn how to refine techniques, develop sounder work habits, and gain a greater appreciation of the writing process. Evening programs begin at 6 p.m. and feature the authors reading from and discussing their work. The events will take place in Plemmons Student Union 201B (Table Rock), and book sales and signings will follow each event.
The Visiting Writing Series is co-sponsored by Appalachian State’s Department of English, The Schaefer Center Presents, and Appalachian Journal. Admission to the talks and readings is free and open to the public.
For information on visitor parking for Boone campus events, visit the university’s Parking and Transportation website.
For more information about the series, visit the Department of English website and/or contact series coordinator Evan Gray, teaching assistant professor in the Department of English, at grayem1@appstate.edu.
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About the Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series
The Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series is named in honor of the late Hughlene Bostian Frank ’68, a recipient of the 2013 Appalachian Alumni Association Outstanding Service Award, past member of Appalachian State University's Board of Trustees and Foundation, past member of the College of Arts and Sciences Advancement Council, and generous supporter of Appalachian. Learn more at visitingwriters.appstate.edu.
About the Department of English
The Department of English at Appalachian State University is committed to outstanding work in the classroom, the support and mentorship of students, and a dynamic engagement with culture, history, language, theory and literature. The department offers master’s degrees in English and rhetoric and composition, as well as undergraduate degrees in literary studies, film studies, creative writing, professional writing and English education. Learn more at english.appstate.edu.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu.
The Spring 2026 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writer Series will feature five performances of a production by playwright Kira Rockwell (top left) and presentations by authors Tim Earley (top right), Lillian-Yvonne Bertram (bottom left), and Gary Wheeler (bottom right). Photos submitted
The Spring 2026 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writer Series will feature five performances of a production by playwright Kira Rockwell (top left) and presentations by authors Tim Earley (top right), Lillian-Yvonne Bertram (bottom left), and Gary Wheeler (bottom right). Photos submitted