TAC Begins Meetings

A new school year means new additions to the St. Ambrose University Theatre Department. One of the biggest changes for the department is the newly-formed Theatre Appreciation Club (TAC). While the club was first announced at the annual theatre picnic in August, meetings have now begun, and everyone is excited for the upcoming projects associated with TAC.

Led by sophomore officers Ellie Larson, Haley Rhoads, and Luke Peterson, the Theatre Appreciation Club is open to any SAU student, regardless of his/her major. The club especially hopes to reach out to students on campus who want to get involved with the department, but who are not able to fully commit to an actual production due to other obligations.

"Last year, it was very common that I would meet people who were active members of their high school theatre departments and wanted to get involved with our department. But, they couldn't because they were on the cross country team, had a job and worked nights, or had other obligations," TAC officer Peterson said. "By introducing this new club to campus, hopefully those individuals who appreciate theatre can have an outlet for artistic creativity while still doing other activities they love. There is a place for everyone in the theatre, and we always welcome new members with open arms."

At the first official meeting for TAC, students gave their ideas and suggestions for activities they'd like to participate in this school year. Since then, the officers have organized future meetings trying to address everyone's interests.

Typically, each month has a "theme." For example, for the spooky month of October, one of the meetings will feature a guest speaker who will talk about how to do special effects and Halloween makeup.

TAC's other meeting will be at the Circa ‘21 Speakeasy to watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show featuring St. Ambrose alum Kelci Eaton ‘18. You can buy tickets here.

While those are the activities planned for October, TAC members will also be organizing a T-shirt fundraiser, planning the Fresh Face Revue, and preparing all the elements for the department's end of year banquet, The Galvins.

"I love how much input they give us members," TAC member Kendall McKasson said. "The fact that each month we get to venture out and try all these different theatre activities is so fun. I'm looking forward to the Chicago trip in December, and can't wait to see what else they have planned for us this school year."

TAC's biggest activity for this semester is a trip to Chicago. Under the guidance of faculty advisor Daniel Rairdin-Hale, they have planned a two-day trip jam-packed with a variety of theatre activities. Some activities planned include seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, going to see an evening improv show, and going to brunch with SAU alums who work professionally in Chicago.

With all these exciting activities planned, members of TAC will surely be busy. The department is excited about the club's increased presence on campus and looks forward to the success TAC will have in the future.