Student Groups & Activities

The following is just a sampling of student groups and activities within the Department of Theatre. Contact the Undergraduate Studies Coordinator for up-to-date contact information for these and our other student groups!

 

Alpha Psi Omega

The purposes of the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Chapter of ALPHA PSI OMEGA is to stimulate interest in theatre activities at The Ohio State University and to secure for the university all the advantages and mutual helpfulness provided by a large national honor society. By electing students to membership the society provides a reward for their participation in theatre activities of the university. The Chapter is not intended to take the place of any existing theatre organization. The Chapter also places special emphasis on service to the community through theatre.

 

Backstage Live

This project is an annual event, created and run entirely by students in the Department of Theatre. Each spring, students submit movement pieces, scenes, songs, and monologues for an evening performance. An ensemble of student performers then compiles these pieces to create each year's Backstage Live production, which is presented on the evening of the Department's end-of-the-year celebration. All proceeds collected from the show are donated to an AIDS charity organization. Anyone can join the Backstage Live student ensemble. This event is a great way for actors and writers to showcase their work while supporting an important cause.

 

Black Student Theatre Network

In Spring 2008, The Black Student Theatre Network (BSTN) was established by MFA actor Raymond Caldwell. BSTN produced its premier production, The Colored Museum, a series of humorous and poignant vignettes by George C. Wolfe at the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center. Through audience donations, BSTN raised over $300 for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. The organization will produce three plays for the 2008-2009 season including Hungry, Day of Absence, and a newly devised work. For more information email BSTN@live.com

 

InterACT

InterACT is a class dedicated to devising, writing, and performing theatre pieces pertaining to issues of social awareness and change. The benefit of this work is manifold. The theatrical pieces are focused on enriching the quality of life for an increasingly diverse university community. The work impacts the students involved in the process of creation, the immediate audience, the needs of the partners for which the pieces are created, and the quality of university life for faculty and students alike. Furthermore, the class serves the need to develop partnerships with communities outside the university.

 

The theatre pieces are created in response to requests that come from the wide range departments, colleges, administrative units, and programs within and beyond the university. Theatre majors have the opportunity to leave the studio classroom and perform in the real world. Non-theatre majors are given the opportunity to explore their interest in performance and all students are given hands-on experience serving the larger university community. This practical experience prepares students for professional performance and provides tools to tackle the world beyond the university. Students also gain skills in developing and creating new work and begin to realize their ability to generate their own work.

 

The class was introduced in Autumn 2006 and received the award for best program from the Multicultural Center at the close of the school year. The performances thus far have received overwhelming responses and requests for future performances from several departments have been made. The popularity and enthusiasm for the class has grown tremendously. Many students repeat the class and some have decided to make this kind of work the focus of their career paths.

 

For more information on InterACT, contact Robin Post at 614-292-0834.

 

Off the Lake Productions

Off the Lake Productions allows OSU students to participate in the theater as well as take part in community service. This student-led organization produces a musical each Spring with admission being one canned good.  This student organization does not have a direct affiliation with the Department of Theatre.  For more information, contact their staff advisor Krystyne Savarese.

 

Scarlet Mask Society

The purpose of the Scarlet Mask Society(formerly Strollers Theatrics) shall be to provide persons affiliated with the Ohio State University an opportunity to participate in the creation of quality theatrical productions and allied performing arts, through the organization's productions and activities, and to provide philanthropy to the community at-large. 

 

Take Out Theatre Festival

The Take Out Theatre Festival is an annual event where the phrase ‘instant theatre' comes into play. It works like this: A topic is posted on Thursday. Writers have 24 hours to write a five minute play on a topic such as "the library." Writers also have the task of incorporating phrases like "super-size it" or "extra crispy" while also using the name Ophelia somewhere in their scripts. Scripts must be turned in before the deadline on Friday. The selection committee reads through the plays and selects the 10 best for production. On Sunday morning 10 directors and 10 casts are assigned to the plays. They are released for a day full of rehearsal. Each play must be ready for performance at 7:00pm. Each changeover has to be choreographed - performances have 2 minutes for set up, 5 minutes for the play, and 1 minute of tear down. All transitions are controlled by a Chinese gong. A designated committee of writers and directors select the winners for the evening. The Ultimate prize being the "Five Minute Masterpiece." Take Out Theatre is traditionally held during Spring Quarter.

 

The Writing Company

This group, led by Dr. Joy Reilly, is a great way for new students to meet active theatre majors at OSU. The Writing Company focuses on developing new works written by actors for self-performance. Members participate in writing exercises, share their work in progress, and often develop short pieces for performance around campus and for the Department of Theatre. Joining the Writing Company is a great first step for new theatre students interested in improving their creative writing and performance skills and in meeting and collaborating with other theatre majors.

Related Sites:

» Ohio Union - Activities & Organizations
» Undergraduate Student Government (USG)