On Friday, September 18, McGill’s very own Players’ Theatre hosted Theatre Frosh: McGill student-theatre’s crossover event of the year. It is an evening organized to introduce first-years — or anyone interested in theatre at McGill — to the university’s diverse array of performance groups. From a meet-and-greet with all the companies, including individual introductory presentations of their respective mandates, goals, and events, to an evening at Gerts Bar, it is safe to say Players’ Theatre Events Coordinator Lauren Hodgins knows how to curate an event.
As a co-representative for the Arts Undergraduate Theatre Society (AUTS), it was a pleasure to meet everyone that evening and get the chance to speak to students about the many theatrical undergraduate opportunities within AUTS, on the level of performance and production. Alongside Players’ Theatre were other veteran companies like Tuesday Night Café Theatre, McGill Savoy Society, McGill Improv, McGill Comedy Club, and sketch group Bring Your Own Juice. Newly-founded groups Club de Théâtre Francophone de McGill, McGill Chinese Drama, and Exposition Theatre rounded out the presentations, as well as a special message from McGill’s satire magazine, The Plumber’s Faucet. Together, these companies form one of McGill’s liveliest student scenes; one overflowing with creativity, community, and of course, fun.
Partaking in numerous productions as an actor, stage manager, producer, and a director has enriched my university experience far beyond what simply attending classes could do. In my very first semester at McGill, acting in one of Players’ Theatre’s mainstage shows offered me an outlet as I adjusted to university life. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, so I spoke to a few of my peers. When asked what participating in theatre at McGill means to them, the majority echoed similar sentiments.
“I have met some of my favourite people from McGill theatre,” says Odessa Rontogiannis, Finance Director at Players’ Theatre, “and that means a lot to me.”
“The community that has been created throughout all the clubs is great,” says Elias Luz, Publicity Director at Players’ Theatre. “People find common interests, and common ground here, and I think that’s really beautiful and really important. It’s an incredible opportunity to make friends.”
Indeed, the tight-knit theatre community at McGill is special. McGill (and some non-McGill) students across years, programs, and experience levels come together to develop a unified project, pouring their passion and creativity into something outside of school: something just for themselves and their community, offering a creative outlet and a release from the everyday stress of academic life. Luz further notes that McGill theatre is “a great way to dip your toes into the performing arts and try things out. I think that performance and creativity benefit you in your daily life. Being able to work with diverse groups of people is really important.
Similarly, Hodgins adds, “[theatre] really helps me express myself…[and] live for the moments that truly matter.”
Are you convinced? If you are looking to get involved in this community, all of the groups mentioned above are in search of students for all roles within their productions. Whether you’re a designer, an actor, a stage manager, or something in between, there is a place for you. Even if participating in theatre is not your thing, come see a show! Becoming a patron of the theatre is a social and low-stakes way to spend your evenings. All companies have student prices for tickets, as well as pay-what-you-can deals to ensure financial accessibility.
Tuesday Night Café Theatre and Players’ Theatre have their first productions of the year throughout November, and tickets will go on sale late October. No matter your faculty or experience levels, don’t hesitate to get involved with McGill theatre and take your bow. Break a leg!