Tableaux: The Plungers

[1921?–1965?]

This black-and-white photograph shows a Tableaux titled “The Plungers.” There are ten Springfield College gymnasts in three rows poised as if about to dive into a pool. This Tableaux was based on the famous R. Tait McKenzie statue “The Plunger” (1925). A caption on the back says, "Men in Bronze - The Plungers.". The Tableaux as used in gymnastics performances was created by Springfield College alumnus Leslie J. Judd (class of 1920), who went on to become a famous gymnastics coach at his alma mater (1921-1956). Tableaux, essentially, means living picture, and it is performed by costumed actors who remain silent and motionless. Tableaux have been used throughout theatrical history, but Judd transformed the idea. Coach Judd and Coach Frank Wolcott, his successor, created Tableaux that expressed ideals and commemorated moments in history. Tableaux are still performed by Springfield College gymnasts. For biographical information on Frank Wolcott, see: https://springfield.as.atlas-sys.com/agents/people/54.