UA Theater Professor Launches Debut Novel at Local Bookstore

Seth Panitch celebrates the release of his book 'Antique: A Novel' at Ernest and Hadley Booksellers in Tuscaloosa.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:07pm

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Seth Panitch, the head of MFA Acting at the University of Alabama, launched his debut novel 'Antique: A Novel' at an event hosted by the local bookstore Ernest and Hadley Booksellers on February 3, 2026. The event was a success, with the bookstore selling out of copies of the book and needing to order more. Panitch discussed how his background in theater helped him with certain aspects of the writing process, and emphasized the importance of launching the book in his hometown of Tuscaloosa.

Why it matters

This event highlights the strong relationship between the University of Alabama and the local Tuscaloosa community, as well as the vibrant literary scene in the area. Panitch's debut novel launch at an independent bookstore demonstrates the support for local authors and the thriving culture of reading and writing in the region.

The details

Panitch, who is the head of the MFA Acting program at the University of Alabama, celebrated the launch of his debut novel 'Antique: A Novel' at an event hosted by the independent bookstore Ernest and Hadley Booksellers in Tuscaloosa. The event was a success, with the bookstore selling out of copies of the book and needing to order more. Panitch discussed how his background in theater helped him with certain aspects of the writing process, such as dialogue and wordplay. He emphasized the importance of launching the book in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, stating that 'as a writer, you draw from your home — from the soil and heart of the place where you grew up.'

  • The book launch event took place on February 3, 2026.
  • Panitch will be returning to Tuscaloosa for another book signing at Barnes and Noble on March 28, 2026 at 12 p.m.

The players

Seth Panitch

The head of the MFA Acting program at the University of Alabama and the author of the debut novel 'Antique: A Novel'.

Ernest and Hadley Booksellers

An independent bookstore in Tuscaloosa, Alabama that hosted the launch event for Panitch's debut novel.

Easty Lambert-Brown

The owner of Ernest and Hadley Booksellers.

Joleigh Bonds

A senior studying acting at the University of Alabama who attended the book launch event because Panitch is one of her professors.

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What they’re saying

“These signings are a blast, especially when they're successful. We help each other, it's a very symbiotic relationship.”

— Easty Lambert-Brown, Owner, Ernest and Hadley Booksellers

“Seth is really good at wordplay and imagery because he's an actor. I always forget that feeling so much emotion is an actor's strong suit.”

— Joleigh Bonds, Senior, University of Alabama

“As a writer, you draw from your home — from the soil and heart of the place where you grew up.”

— Seth Panitch

What’s next

Panitch will be continuing his book tour across the country and will return for a book signing in Tuscaloosa at Barnes and Noble on March 28 at 12 p.m.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates the strong ties between the University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa community, as well as the vibrant literary scene in the area. Panitch's debut novel launch at an independent bookstore showcases the support for local authors and the thriving culture of reading and writing in the region.