Viterbo University offers a wide range of clubs here around campus. The Lumen would like to use this section to highlight a club around campus each issue. This is new for the Lumen this year, and we thank you for allowing us to shine some light on clubs run by students, for the students, just as the Lumen is.
According to Ashlyn Cox, one of the co-directors, along with Kayla Taylor, said, “The Student Theatre Project (STP) is a student-led theatre organization dedicated to providing both performance and technical opportunities entirely run by students, for students. From stage productions to backstage operations, STP gives students the chance to explore every aspect of theatre while building a vibrant, creative community.”
This club offers a wide range for students to learn the elements of theatre, whether it is backstage elements or on stage. The Student Theatre Project gives plenty of opportunities for students to learn by getting hands-on experience. Student Theatre Project’s mission is this: “The Viterbo Student Theatre Project (STP) fosters artistic self-discovery and meaningful connections for all students through the transformative power of theatre.”
Student Theatre Project meets on Sundays, not on a regular schedule, in the Fine Arts Center 219 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Upcoming days include Oct. 26, Nov. 9, and Dec. 7. Student Theatre Project welcomes all who enjoy theater and is not limited to musical theatre and theatre majors.
Student Theatre Project has kicked off this semester with their Returning Student Review cabaret, in which musical theatre and theatre students are given a chance to perform the things they did over the summer and show off how they spent their summer in the theater world. Not only this, but the Student Theatre Project also has two cabarets planned for this semester. They will be producing a Spooktacular Cabaret on Oct. 15 at 7:00 p.m. in which all songs are spooky and Halloween-themed. The second cabaret is the Disney Cabaret on Nov. 14 at 7:00 p.m., in which all songs are from Disney movies. Both cabarets are free admission and will take place in the La Croix Blackbox at Viterbo.
Student Theatre Project also plans on doing two full-length shows this year: a play in late winter, and a musical in the spring, both yet to be announced. Each production will be fully student-run, encompassing directing, performance, design, and technical production.
When talking to Cox, she was asked what her favorite part of working with the Student Theatre Project as Co-Director with Taylor was. Here’s what she said: “We love watching our peers flourish as leaders, collaborators, and artists. Guiding such a creative, ambitious, and determined group of students is both inspiring and rewarding. Seeing members grow into confident leaders while producing meaningful art is one of the most fulfilling aspects of this work. We have both been involved with STP since our first year, so stepping into leadership roles has been a full-circle moment for us. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch fellow students grow through the opportunities this club provides. One of the most exciting aspects of STP is the creative freedom it offers—students are encouraged to bring forward their own ideas for projects, and it has been inspiring to see how each production develops and the impact it has on the Viterbo community.”
