The wooden wheelchair sat quietly off to the side of the stage as the students worked on the upcoming performance. Suddenly, the untouched wheelchair moved across the stage and faced the audience in a monologue, or a speech position, according to a printed newspaper article displayed in the lobby of Fisher Theatre.

This wheelchair, which was donated to the theatre, belonged to Fredrica Shattuck, an Iowa State professor of speech and theatre from 1907 to 1969.

Since her death almost 30 years ago, students as well as employees of Fisher Theatre have been “haunted” by her ghost.

“[Fredrica] is not a malevolent ghost, but a friendly ghost, who just likes to play tricks on people,” said Joe Kowalski, assistant professor of theatre and resident Fisher Theatre costume designer.

According to the undated newspaper article, a stock and judging pavilion was redone in 1931 and transformed into a theatre named after Fredrica — Shattuck Theatre.

This theatre became the home of the Iowa State Players, which was established in 1914 by Shattuck. The theatre remained the group’s home until 1973 when Fisher Theatre was ready for use.

“In the ’70s, when [Shattuck Theatre] was torn down, they moved her things to Fisher and she traveled with them,” Kowalski said.

Aside from the wooden wheelchair, a few pieces from Shattuck’s home also were donated and moved during the transition from Shattuck to Fisher.

“I think that there could be something there and that there are good reasons to explain what happens, but it is always more fun to say it’s her presence in the building that is causing it,” said Annie Kremin, senior in performing arts and history. “I have never seen her, but it is more fun to believe it is her [rather] than the maintenance personnel by the heater.”

Many stories and rumors are prevalent in the theatre, but some performing arts students, as well as Fisher employees, do believe in the presence of ghosts or spirits.

“I have seen some [ghosts], and I believe in the spirit world,” Kowalski said. “I have had some family members who have passed on talk with me. I am a little bit psychic myself; that’s why she has so much fun with me.”

Kowalski is referring to incidents where he said he has been alone in the theatre and has put things down and walked away. When he returns, he said the objects have moved.

Doris Nash, costume shop supervisor, has never “seen” Fredrica, nor does she feel that Fredrica has to make her presence known.

“She doesn’t have to convince me that she’s there because I already believe her,” Nash said. “I think, in general, there are a lot of unseen phenomenon that we don’t know enough about to say that they don’t exist.”