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LaGrange College Theatre Arts Professor Kim Barber Knoll will share in her presentation “From Lerner and Loewe to Shakespeare” how some popular theatrical settings are inspired by historical references found in Scotland, the focus of the institution’s 3D Journeys’ 15th season that will begin on Monday, Jan. 27, at 10 a.m., in Turner Hall.

“There will be theatrical touches,” said Knoll. “We’re not just gonna talk.”

Guests will be asked to park in the lots adjacent to the college’s pedestrian bridge on Vernon Road. There will be a shuttle beginning at 9:30 a.m. Attendees are also welcome to walk across the Gulley Gateway bridge on Vernon Road. A Dutch-treat lunch will be available in the Pitts Dining Hall following the session.

Dr. Lauranne Buchanan, who co-chairs the 3D (Discover, Discuss, Develop) Committee with Ann Beason, expects Knoll will appeal to audience members. The lectures typically attract 75-100, most of them “lifelong learners but armchair travelers.” About 30 participants will take an excursion to Scotland led by LaGrange College President Susanna Baxter and First Gentleman Mark Huffman beginning May 27. Registration is still open.

“Scotland is a fascinating topic and Professor Knoll is known for her lively and engaging style. Whether or not you plan to travel, we encourage you to join us for an enriching and stimulating morning,” Buchanan said.

A Tennessee native who joined the LC faculty in 1995, Knoll remains as enthusiastic about her work as she was the day she first stepped into Price Theater. Having studied, performed, and taught in New York, New Hampshire and California, she recalls being “blown away by the wonderful facility at this little college in Georgia.”

A self-described Southern girl at heart, she realized the opportunity fit her desire to get back to her Southern roots. Knoll found a home on the Hill.

“I love what I do, and I love this college,” she said.

Studying theatre, she believes, is about much more than learning to act.

“It’s training the whole person,” she said. “We are unbelievably lucky to have Price Theater. It’s really a gem. So is Lamar Dodd Art Center, and through the years, we have had administrators who appreciate the arts.”

The theme for the 3D series is “Landscapes of Scotland,” and Knoll’s lecture will highlight two of the most famous and fabled theatrical settings of all time: Brigadoon, a magical village in the Scottish Highlands, and MacBeth, known to theatre people as “the Scottish play,” and set on the Scottish heath and in the murderous king’s castle.

Both plays are based on historical references but made into “compelling theatre,” she explained, describing her presentation as a work in progress.

“I’m still digging into those historical references,” she said.

The 3D Journeys concept of providing educational and travel opportunities to the community meshes perfectly with Knoll’s idea of what a college should be.

“Part of our mission is to serve,” she said. “I appreciate that the knowledge we have is not just confined to the classroom. I am happy to share with everyone who is interested in learning. The doors are open.”

One recent example of outreach was the Musical Theatre program’s fall production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

“It was a challenge and a joy to bring in two dozen elementary school students to perform as Munchkins,” Knoll said.

The children came to Price Theater for practice every Saturday for eight weeks, then performed in all four shows October 24-27.

“It was a huge commitment for the families and for the college,” Knoll observes. “But think of the opportunity for those children to be part of a full-scale, professional stage production. They took it seriously and did an amazing job.”

In addition to being one of the longest-tenured professors at LaGrange College, Knoll is among the most honored. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in acting from UCLA where she received both the Jack Nicholson award and the Hugh O’Brien award.

Knoll is a recent recipient of the Flora Glenn Candler Professorship, awarded to a faculty member in recognition of teaching effectiveness, contribution to the life and work of the college community and service to the community at large. She is also a recipient of the John R. Hines, Jr. Undergraduate Research Award and a two-time recipient of the United Methodist teaching award given to a faculty member who “inspires the souls of students.”

An Equity actor and director for more than 40 years, Knoll has appeared in more than 60 productions and directed more than 70. She has continued to perform and direct throughout her teaching career, reflecting her firm belief that “those who teach must do.”

Her goal for the lecture is the same as what she brings to every class.

“I hope to bring energy and make it memorable,” she said.”