University Theatre Organizations and Awards

University Theatre

Advisor: Ken Stofferahn
University Theatre is a Student Organization. It is led by a board of students, voted in by their peers - and completing certain requirements. Anyone could become a member of this student advisory board and learn the workings of a board similar to non-profit organizations and community theatres. This will look great on any job or graduate school application!
University Theatre only meets 3 times a semester - all other meetings are in actual committees - committees which actually accomplish things!
There is an EVENTS committee, where we plan parties, gatherings, Alumni and Friends night, our excursion to the American College Theatre Festival and trips to theatres in the Twin City area as well as those in Chicago.
There is a PLAY SELECTION committee. This committee will read plays throughout the semester and recommend them to the University Staff based on the University Theatre's mission and criteria.
There is the RECORDER committee. This committee will keep track of student involvement in University Theatre productions for eligibility to be one of the 8-12 Student Advisory Board Members.
Meeting Time: Check callboards by B18 & 119 KFA for meeting information

Masquers

Advisor: Robin Murray
Masquers is a student theatre organization that helps produce plays and supports fellow actors, technicians, and designers. This organization is open to all University Students. Voting members must meet set criteria.
Meeting Time: Usually once a week. Times vary each semester. Check Callboard by B18 KFA (Green Room)
Events: Annual Production, Directing I One-Act Plays, Annual Picnic and Awards, ACTF Participation and Travel

Alpha Psi Omega - Iota Beta

Advisor: Meg Swanson
Alpha Psi Omega was organized as an honorary dramatic fraternity for the purpose of providing an honor society for those doing a high standard of work in dramatics and, through the expansion of Alpha Psi Omega among the colleges and universities, to provide a wider fellowship for those interested in the college theatre. The fraternity is not intended to take the place of the regular dramatic club or other producing groups, but as students qualify, they are rewarded by election to membership in this society.

Membership Eligibility:

• A regularly enrolled student of the college, of satisfactory scholarship, who has participated in a major role of one long play, or two one-act plays, staged by the institution or acceptable organizations, and has done work of such merit and quality as to be approved by the dramatic director.
• A student who has written a play that has been produced.
• Efficient work as business manager, stage manager, or student director for two long plays.
• Staff work such as carpenter, prop man, electrician or work in scene painting, costume making and designing.
• Minor speaking parts in four full length plays or five one-act plays.
• Honorary and faculty membership may be conferred.
• A point system may be substituted for these provisions.
• Taken from Constitution and By-laws of the Alpha Psi Omega Fraternity

Awards and Scholarships

Every year, the University Theatre presents several awards to outstanding students. These awards are monetary and are used for tuition for students.

• New Student Scholarships: This scholar is awarded to freshman and transferring students who intend to major in Theatre and have been active in high school or other theatre organizations. Applications are submitted each spring and the Theatre Staff will determine the awards. Students selected for the scholarship are required to become active in theatre productions and maintain good academic performance. See scholarship application form for details.
• Sanford Syse Awards: Two to three Syse Awards are given each year to continuing theatre students who have demonstrated merit in theatre activities throughout the past year. These awards are determined by the Theatre Staff and the funds are used for tuition for the following year. Applications are accepted each spring and the scholarship can be awarded more than one time.
• Outstanding Senior Awards: Each year an outstanding senior awards is given. This is awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to University Theatre during their time at the University. No application is required and all graduating majors are eligible. The selection is chosen by the Theatre Staff.
• Carolyn Zimmerman Award: The Zimmerman scholarship is awarded annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to University Theatre. The award may be given to any level of student and the choice is determine by the Theatre Staff. No application is required and all theatre students are eligible.