It’s Giving Props–Southern University’s Variety Prop Showcase

Southern University’s Theatre Department recently hosted a unique variety showcase, “It’s Giving Props,” featuring props discovered during a thorough cleaning of the theater. Directed by Dr. Bonny McDonald, Professor Douglas Streater, Dr. Nicolas Zaunbrecher, and student Directors, Isaiah Clay, Miesha Hall, and Lorita Duncan, the event took the audience on a journey through time, bringing forgotten artifacts back into the spotlight.
As the lights dimmed, Dr. McDonald and Professor Streater welcomed the audience, each prop carrying a piece of history. From a vintage cake and bananas to old trophies and weathered books, each item told a story. The directors explained how these pieces were found during a recent cleaning, turning the showcase into a living testament of the university’s theatrical arts legacy.
The performances showcased students reenacting poems, delivering excerpts from plays, and bringing stories to life. Dancers gracefully blended modern and traditional moves, while live artists painted vibrant scenes, turning canvases into works of art.
The audience was transported through time, and the props became portals into Southern University’s artistic heritage. The variety of talents showcased proved that the arts are a dynamic force bridging the past with the present.
Miesha Hall, who both acted and directed in the show, shared, “Being part of this showcase felt like stepping into a time machine. These props hold so much history, and it’s an honor to bring them back to life. It’s like connecting the dots between generations.”
“It was really good,” exclaimed Layton Harris, a sophomore majoring in Nursing from Dallas, Texas. “I was on the edge of my seat for the scenes. I think Southern should definitely have more shows like that!”
Jamien Jacobs, a junior Fashion Merchandising major from Oppelousas, Louisiana, stated, “I’m excited that Southern is starting to have a variety of different events. It makes me excited for what’s in store… They ate!”
The showcase highlighted the importance of preserving the past and the enduring relevance of the arts in education. It served as a reminder that behind every prop, script, and stroke of paint, there’s a story waiting to be told.
As the show ended and applause echoed, the audience left with a renewed appreciation for the arts. At Southern University, creativity and history intertwine to inspire generations, creating a tapestry of stories waiting to be explored.