Not everyone is a fan of the stage or the drama. However, when people experience their first theatrical performance, they open their minds to a new world of possibilities.
They have a boost in creativity and enjoyment. They recognize their own abilities to get up on a stage and exclaim their confidence to the world. Unfortunately, Saint Xavier University does not have a theatre program or any theatrical performance majors.
While the student-run Improv Club is amazing, we could go further as a student body in in terms of introducing a new creative performance space. For instance, Mcguire Hall is a great place to host shows.
If SXU had a theatre troupe, they could spend a few weeks preparing a show and then sell tickets for people to see the performance.
The ticket sales could go back to SXU to improve the school, or go to a charity of the troupe’s choosing. It would be a great way to raise funds for the school. SXU also does not have any majors or programs dedicated to performance in a theatrical space. We have music majors with concentrations in voice in that performance aspect, but there are no acting majors, directing majors, or technician majors.
Students would flourish if we had these types of majors in this school. They would be able to let out their creative side, while also learning valuable life lessons. It is incredibly convenient that we have Broadway in Chicago so close to us.
Imagine if a person who majors in acting at SXU then auditions for a professional role and gets it! It would be amazing for that person, as well as, the University since the SXU community enjoys celebrating everyone’s success.
Adding a theatre program would grow a larger sense of community. People connect with each other on stage and off-stage. The audience connects with the actors and vice versa. We would grow as a community because there would be more events, more fun, and a fresher creative atmosphere that the SXU community craves. Now the logistics of this would be a little hard, I’ll admit.
We would have to start the majors and the theatre troupe out small by having class and performances in McGuire hall. However, once the funds eventually begin to increase, we could build a black box theatre or an auditorium. People from all over the city would be able to come and see SXU’s performances, and the auditorium could be used for other things such as presentations and practices for commencement speakers.
By having a theatre program or a theatre troupe, SXU would benefit as a whole and the student body would feel more connected and creative. From this, we could see how community is formed through the performance space. SXU needs a theatre program or a theatre troupe.
It is imperative students are able to share their love of theatre. Let’s begin this program for all of SXU. Lights, camera, action!
Emily Rubino
Opinions Editor
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