I've been a theater enthusiast throughout high school and into college. While I may not have acted much, I enjoy listening to showtunes and going to see live performances. I even make sure to watch the Tonys every year! When I started going to a women's college and started doing theater as an extracurricular, I noticed not only how small the theater community is but how well it thrives. Doing theater my freshman year has been such an enjoyable experience, and there are so many things about doing theater at a women's college that could be put in a list.
1. Sing-alongs and selfies
Usually before shows, someone will play music and sometimes we sing along while putting makeup on and getting ready for the show. Usually before going on (during performances) posed pictures and group Snapchat selfies will commence. I love both of these small traditions because they bring a cast together and help us bond a bit.
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2. Male casting
The majority of the plays/musicals in the world have male casting, but this can prove to be an issue at a women's college. For one play I was in, we had a male voice-over that was provided by a male professor. Usually at school when we have plays that have male characters, we ask a male professor to do it, have one of the local guys in town do it or even make the character gender neutral so that a girl can play it.
3. Everyone does everything
Sure, we have specific people in charge of set, costumes, lighting, makeup, etc., but when it comes to doing all of these things together, everyone in the cast and crew chips in. Whether we have cast members helping the crew paint the set or different cast members help with makeup, everyone works as a team-- especially when it comes time to strike.
4. Relationships are formed
At Cottey, our director is a really chill person, and we all love to hang out with her! You also become friends with many of your cast mates and even learn new things (I met my birthday twin from being in the same play together!) Even with co-ed casts, all-female casts learn to work together and make the show a great one.
5. We do some emotional plays
I was in a play my second semester called, "Who Will Carry the Word?" It was set in the Holocaust and dealt with French women in a concentration camp. It was very emotional and moving, but it left you thinking. While we do some lighthearted comedies, we also perform plays that will move you.
6. We have some cool traditions
Cottey is most known for its traditions. But, apparently, the theater department had its own traditions. Before the opening of a show, a letter from G.P. or "Great Pumpkin" (which is part of a tradition at Cottey) will be read by the director and will say some funny things about every cast member. It's an enjoyable tradition that I really love.
7. I rediscovered my love of acting
I had only done two plays prior to coming to Cottey, but once at school, I had my first show that had speaking lines in it and even got a bigger role in my second show. While I know I definitely don't want to do theater for a career, it is a pretty fun hobby!
These are just some things I've learned throughout my experience with theater at a women's college. I can't wait to continue acting and helping this department thrive even more in the rest of the years I have as a student.
