The Drama Society’s Open Arms

Written by Leah Oake

Photo by Rob Laughter on Unsplash

Whilst these ongoing productions of Romeo and Juilet and Midsummer.com are taking place, the Drama Society itself is still helping to make their general society members feel included too. Drama and theater are notoriously known for being a welcoming and inclusive community, and the Drama Society does not hesitate to keep that stereotype going. In my case of Romeo and Juliet, I am striving to make these rehearsals a place where we not only work but we play. Theatre has been at an all time low ever since COVID-19, and it has been hard for many theater companies to get back into the full swing of things. A major example of this is the downfall of Broadway. Broadway generates 14.7 billion dollars towards New York’s economy and it provides around 96,000 jobs. The district was shut down for 18 months, the longest it has ever been closed for. Not only did this affect people's jobs, but it affected people's morality. Broadway provides escapism, and without these shows people all over the world felt so much pain and hopelessness.  With the rise of theater coming back, it is important for every person that already had an existing presence to open up the doors to others to continue to keep theater alive and thriving.

The cast of Romeo and Juliet is full of people who have already stepped foot in the world of drama but it also involves many people who are acting for their first time. With that in mind, it keeps me motivated to create a safe, inviting and playful space so everyone feels encouraged to make choices, including other people and overall have fun. Theatre has proven to be such a light in my own life, so in return I want to allow people to see if theater provides a light for them. That is what the Drama Society does.

Not only does the Drama Society create a safe space for people, but it also has been creating a lot of buzz recently. Promotion is something all societies, brands, teams and everyone nowadays have to do. The Drama Society's way of promoting is off brand from the norm but is very smart. Using popular trends from TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, the account publishes hilarious videos, pictures, and memes that intrigue everyone who stumbles upon it. The account’s projected stats say that the account will have gained 400 followers in the span of a month and a half this week! This fun and new way of advertising puts a more easy going effect on viewers and stimulates their interest.

The Drama Society has always and will forever always pride itself on their welcoming exterior that does not fall short once members are fully integrated within. Romeo and Juliet and Midsummer.com are two of the many things the society does to create spaces of play and curiosity.

Tickets to Midsummer.com and Romeo and Juliet are available for purchase now at Eventbrite.com. Midsummer.com will be performed on March 7, 8, and 9, and Romeo and Juliet will have its own streak of shows just three weeks later on March 28, 29, and 30, both hosted at our very own auditorium in McNally Main. With a fee of $10/ticket, attendance means you can enjoy a show and support the performing arts.