So You Wanna Be A Thespian—SU’s Thespian Society is Born

“Thespian” is a fancy word for actor and “society” is a community of people. On Wednesday, January 31st, the newly added organization to the campus, the Southern University Thespian Society, held their first informational in the John B. Cade Library. The SU Thespian Society was recently founded just last semester; however, the groundwork seems to be intact.
According to their constitution, this Society is an “honorary organization of students who participate in theater, performing arts, and community programs at Southern University.” Their mission is to “collaboratively create bold, dynamic theater that creates inclusive opportunities, celebrates individuality, challenges culture, and inspires audiences.”
The first activity they had newcomers engage in was an ice breaker where a group of three is required to create an original movie or show concept in just a few minutes. The exercise was designed to have the students think quickly and creatively on their feet and come up with mind blowing new ideas involving theater.
Throughout the informational, the Digest was able to speak to several members of the executive board. Business Director of the Thespian Society, Reese Baker, says “This society is important because it gives Southern University a chance to have all groups of people that love theater—whether that’s writing, acting or wardrobe—in one setting as a collective. We have different things that aren’t just interested in the main things we offer, but something outside of that.”
According to Baker, the organization also helps those who’ve had a passion for theater but could never join because of a nonexistent club on Southern University’s campus. Students were heavily engaged with another activity that was played towards the end of the informational, where two actors begin a scene and the next person has to stop one person in the scene and bring along a new character.
Miesha Hall, Treasurer of the Society, spoke on what the Thespians will bring to Southern University’s already heavily organized campus. “I hope this organization brings creativity to this campus; I feel like there is a lot of pressure to be part of organizations where you have to be professional. I think this Society will be a safe space for students and faculty to be themselves.”
The group hoped this informational showed that being different is accepted and they encouraged students to be comfortable in this setting because, ideally, students will find self-love and joy doing something outside the normal.
The Founder and President of The Southern University Thespian Society, Brianna Fields, also added what prompted her to create this organization and what theater means to her: “The creation of this organization is bringing together a community of college students who would like to showcase their love for theater, and what theater means to me is love, life, and happiness and bringing shows to life.” For more information about the SU Thespian Society, those interested can stay updated with them at @su_thespiansociety on Instagram.