Whether you’re an actor, designer, director, or just an avid audience member, there are TONS of ways to get involved in theatre here at ND!
Hello! My name is Liz Maroshick. As an FTT major with a musical theatre minor, finding ways to continue my passion for theatre from high school while in college was definitely very important to me as an incoming freshman. Over my past four years here, I have found a variety of groups and productions that have allowed me to not only perform in shows, but try my hand at directing, costume design, and much more! Here are some ways to get involved in all capacities of theatre:
1. Department of Film, Television, and Theatre Mainstage & Fall Shows
Each year, the FTT department puts on a season of shows that usually include a Fall play and a spring Musical, often with various thesis projects and student projects along the way. FTT shows are open to students of all majors and backgrounds, and can provide a wonderful opportunity to work with seasoned professionals and talented professors as you put together a production. This past Fall, FTT staged Steel Magnolias, a tragically heartwarming play about six women going through life in northern Louisiana in the 80s. FTT is currently developing a new musical, Dawn’s Early Light, written by Solomon Duane (‘24). The show follows the story of an Italian immigrant family during WWII, and highlights the struggles and family dynamics that change when their son, Tommy, decides to enlist in the war. In addition to performing/working on production for FTT shows, you can also enroll in the Musical Theatre minor, which offers a variety of theatre and music courses. Check out more about FTT here!
2. PEMCo (Student-Run Musical Theatre Company)
PEMCo is an entirely student-run musical theatre group that puts on a Fall lab show and a Spring mainstage show, as well as a musical revue at the end of the year and several cabaret nights throughout the semester! In addition to being a very fun way to get involved in performing at Notre Dame, PEMCo is also a great opportunity to try out production roles you either already have experience in or just have always wanted to learn. This includes producing, directing, lighting & costume design, stage managing, and more. PEMCo started off the season with a Fall production of Bare: A Pop Opera, a coming of age rock musical centered on a group of students living at a Catholic boarding school as they struggle with sexuality, religion, and drug abuse. The upcoming Spring production will be Anything Goes, a comedy that takes place on a 1930s cruise ship and follows the hilarious mishaps of several unlikely couples. Students can get Check out more about PEMCo here!
3. NSR (Not So Royal Shakespeare Company)
NSR is ND’s only student-theatre company that produces Shakespeare plays, and they offer a variety of productions each year to get involved in! NSR puts on a variety of performances throughout the year, including a fall and spring lab production. They recently staged an incredible production of Hamlet with 5 people in the cast playing a variety of roles. They are currently in pre-production for their upcoming spring show, Much Ado About Nothing. Like the other student-run clubs, NSR has opportunities for students to direct, produce, and design their shows - all levels of experience welcome!! Check out more about NSR here!
4. Humor Artists (Stand-Up Comedy Group)
The Humor Artists are a student-run improv comedy group that bring several hilarious shows to campus each semester. They typically perform at least one formal improv show each month, and have additional performances with longform improv and sketch comedy throughout the semeseter. They also take their show on the road and perform in residence halls a few times in the semester! Anyone in any grade or with any level of comedic background is encouraged to audition and get involved! Check out more about Humor Artists at their Instagram here!