University Theatre announces its 80th season

One of the most dynamic units in the Franklin College, indeed in the entire University, is the department of theatre and film studies. Long a mainstay on our campus, they have engaged our students, faculty and facilities to keep the campus and community entertained and informed for more than a century. Now in 2012, they announce their 80th season as University Theatre:

The season's highlights include former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove's play "The Darker Face of the Earth," the musical "The Fantasticks" by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt and a new version of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" featuring the use of interactive media.

"UGA has one of the oldest theatre programs in the country, and the tradition of live theatre is vital and thriving," said David Saltz, head of the department of theatre and film studies in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.

The fine arts lobby will be home to a yearlong display of the history of the University Theatre, which will include material from the Edward C. Crouse Collection and the University Theatre Collection at UGA Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

University Theatre's roots reach back to 1893 when UGA students formed the Thalian Dramatic Club, one of the oldest college dramatic clubs in the country. Proceeds from the shows for most of its first 20 years went to various charitable causes.

In 1926, a second dramatic club, the Blackfriars, was formed at UGA; there was an immediate rivalry between the two groups. In 1931, the two clubs merged under the leadership of journalism professor Edward C. Crouse to become the Thalian-Blackfriars, the official theatrical club of UGA with its own playhouse. By 1932, the new "University Theatre" was offering its first season ticket campaign and playing to packed houses. In 1939, the department of dramatic art—today's department of theatre and film studies—was created with Crouse as its first department head.

Emphasis mine. These charitable causes included things like the survivors of the hurricane that hit Brunswick in 1893, but for about 20 years proceeds went to support the UGA Athletic Association. So theatre has always been at the center of the university life, supporting the citizens of Georgia as well as other campus organizations. Today University Theatre remains a source of collaboration for students as well as visitors to campus. There are a lot of great performances opportunities on campus, many of them in the newly renovated Fine Arts Theatre and the cellar theatre. Come be a part of this. Order your season tickets today. 

Image from the 1933-34 season flyer for University Theatre.