Spotlight: The Penn State Thespians

Whether they’re flash-mobbing in the HUB or lighting up the stage at Schwab Auditorium, the Penn State Thespians rarely go unnoticed in the arts community on campus. They’ve made a name for themselves as the oldest continually active student-run organization on Penn State’s campus. The club has a rich history of dedicated performers, which is something the club’s current members certainly don’t take lightly. They work hard to put together shows each semester that honor the efforts of Thespians past and pave the way for the future of the club.

PAC sat down with the club’s new president, Christie Fisher, to get a feel for what it’s really like behind the scenes of Penn State Thespians. Fischer, who also serves as PAC’s Theatre Marshal, gave us the inside scoop.

“Our mission is to offer artists an outlet for their love of theatre while also providing quality theatre for the State College community,” Fisher said.

As for what’s in store for the club for the fall semester, the Thespians will present their production of The Drowsy Chaperone in Schwab Auditorium, October 12-14. The club will also hold auditions for their January cabaret, MasquerAIDS, next month, as well as for their fall children’s show, Harold & the Purple Crayon, which will be shown December 2-3 in Schlow Library.

“Thespians’ primary goal is to put on great shows,” said Fisher, “but my favorite part of our club is our philanthropic effort.”

Thespians is heavily involved in the Penn State Dance Marathon.

“We have two amazing THON families who many of our members have become very close to, myself included,” said Fisher. Thespians also puts on an annual cabaret, MasquerAIDS, whose proceeds benefit the Center County AIDS Resource Center.

As president of Thespians, Fisher knows firsthand the way the arts can truly impact someone’s life.

“I still get butterflies before I step on a stage,” Fisher said, “but the feeling after the curtains close and knowing you gave it your all is the best feeling in the world. It also helps my memorization skills, builds confidence, and makes me a better public speaker.”

Ready to jump up on the Schwab stage and join them?

“All types and levels of theatre lovers are welcome and we are all very supportive of all of the arts across Penn State’s campus,” Fisher said. “Becoming a member of Thespians is a yearlong process, which sounds more difficult than it actually is. For more information, you can email our vice president, Lauren Goodyear, at psuthespiansvp@gmail.com.”