Student Organizations
At 91ÁÔÆæ SoTA there are countless ways to be involved in theatre arts other than in class and on stage. Below are descriptions of many organizations/events formed and governed by students with faculty/staff mentorship. These organizations/events promote creativity and leadership while fostering actors, directors, playwrights, designers, dancers, choreographers, comedians, and filmmakers. Learn more about Registered Student Organizations.
As 91ÁÔÆæ's oldest philanthropic organization, Masquers' mission is to uplift underserved communities within the Bloomington-Normal community through events, activities, and fundraising. Throughout the years, Masquers has engaged in various charitable activities including serving meals at homeless shelters, visiting nursing homes, and collaborating with local organizations like Project Oz and Prairie Pride Coalition. Masquers also hosts the School of Theatre Arts' annual Holiday Celebration (aka Hol Cel) every December. Contact Dani Miller (jmille14@iwu.edu) if interested in joining.
The Phoenix Theatre is a student-run organization that provides students with the opportunity to produce, direct, and design their own shows and passion projects. Whether you are on the board and managing funds or producing shows, or acting in a new original musical, or designing lights for the first time, the Phoenix Theatre is meant to support students' creativity. It gives not only theatre students opportunities, but also non-SoTA students the chance to find joy in the arts! If you have any questions or are interested in joining you can reach out to phoenixtheatre0@gmail.com or Jack Berleman-Paul (jberlema@iwu.edu).
Illinois Wesleyan's original improv comedy troupe, JM7*, started in 1995 and has been performing ever since. With a range of 6-9 members, JM7* does all forms of improv and performs every 3-4 weeks. JM7* teaches open improv classes intermittently throughout the year for anyone interested in learning more about the art form. Jm7* seeks to bring quality improv to the 91ÁÔÆæ and Bloomington community. As a troupe we encourage collaboration, spontaneity, and active listening among our members and audience. We also strive to educate the 91ÁÔÆæ community on this art form through open classes. Contact Gabby Rosen (grosen@iwu.edu) or Ari Karan (akaran@iwu.edu) if interested in joining.
Shringara is 91ÁÔÆæ’s multicultural theatre company. From Queer theatre to theatre derived from identity, Shringara’s mission is to produce art that depicts multicultural characters and stories, as well as creating space for folks of underrepresented communities. Shringara promotes acceptance through the artistic medium of theatre. The plays produced by Shringara have consisted of playwrights from many different cultures and backgrounds. Shringara has hosted events such as a play reading festival and student-written and produced work. Contact Terria O’Neal (toneal@iwu.edu) or Elias Becker (lbecker@iwu.edu) if interested in joining.
Shringara (n.) The sanskrit word for love and acceptance of all.
