Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shows do you do?

Thespians does one mainstage musical each semester in Schwab Auditorium (see our complete list of shows in our Members section). We also do one children's show each semester at Schlow Library, where we convert a children's book into a short play, such as The Lorax and Amelia Bedelia. Every spring we put on an event called MasquerAIDS, which can be whatever we make it and has been a full-length play, a revue of scenes and songs, and a dinner theater musical in the past.

Do you only do musicals?

We traditionally do musicals as our mainstage shows, but our constitution in no way limits us to doing only musicals. We just like to do them. The children's show and MasquerAIDS are generally our more straight-play outlets. If you are more of an actor than a singing-dancing musical theater person, we recommend checking out No Refund Theatre, another student theater group on campus that does mostly plays (http://clubs.psu.edu/norefund).

What about backstage?

Glad you asked! The majority of the members and pledges of Thespians are people who work backstage to put together every aspect of a production. Production staff, assistants, and crews are a huge portion of involvement in our shows. And we have our share of performers, too.

Is Thespians part of School of Theatre?

Not at all. You do not have to be a theater major, minor, or even have any theater experience whatsoever to be involved with Thespians. We are a completely student-run organization that does theater just because we like to. A few of our members and pledges are in School of Theatre, but the majority are in unrelated majors, from film to education to meteorology.

What's all this "members" and "pledges" talk?

In order to become a member of Thespians, you must complete the pledging process, which consists of devoting a certain number of hours to various aspects of two mainstage shows. For full details, visit the 'Pledges' tab above. You are then inducted and become a member, giving you voting rights within the club (to elect officers, choose what shows we do, etc.), an automatic callback at auditions, and the ability to be a committee chair or run for a position on the executive board. Not to mention the lifelong friendships made while pledging and as a member.

Do I have to be a pledge or member to be involved in your shows?

Nope. You can audition for, perform in, and/or work on any of our shows without ever being a pledge or member. You don't even have to be a Penn State student to be in or work on our shows. Our productions are open to the entire community. You must be a Penn State student to pledge or be an active member, however.

Pledging? Is that like a fraternity?

No. It entails completing a certain number of hours working on various aspects of two mainstage shows and a few other requirements. It's a lot of fun and absolutely does not involve hazing of any kind. Thespian activities are optional, but highly encouraged by those who have gone through the process (and all the members have). For more details on pledging, see the Pledges tab above.

What kind of people are in Thespians?

The best kind! From all different places, in all different majors, with a wide range and variety of theater experience. Throughout this site we try to give you a feel for our membership with "Meet the Exec Board," committee chair profiles on the committee pages, as well as the many different activities that we are involved in. The best way to find out, however, is to get involved and see for yourself!