UNT theater group prepares for a comeback

by Carolyn Brown of of North Texas Daily

Although the theatrical club University Players is filled with spotlight-seekers, the group has had a year of backstage preparations for its future comeback.

The group now has about 50 regular members, though it hopes to grow in the future, said George Ferrie, a dance senior and club president. The group typically meets at 7:30 p.m. every other Wednesday in Radio, Television and Film 127. Although the club is dance and theater-themed, interested students of all majors can join, he said.

The club has had many member events throughout the year but has not done its usual projects of student-produced shows and workshops. The Players try to put on a student-produced show once a semester but have had to cancel two this semester because of scheduling conflicts with the theater and dance departments, Ferrie said.

In addition, the group has had difficulty procuring the necessary materials and accommodating the members' schedules.

"It can be challenging, but it's well worth it," Ferrie said.

In the past, the group has put on workshops such as the Kid University Players at community schools. Although it hasn't done it this year, theatre arts senior and club secretary Cate Hulme said the group plans to put on the workshops in the future and might expand its venues to include Dallas schools.

Right now, though, the club is trying to build itself up before taking on another project.

"We want to get our group a little more organized before we take it to Dallas," Hulme said.

Without the usual projects, the school year has been devoted to rebuilding the group and putting on fundraisers for future plays, "so we can have a bigger show than we've ever had," Hulme said.

This year, the Players are playing war-themed games such as water-balloon battles and capture the flag. An ongoing game is "Assassin," described as "a game of cunning, stealth and socks" on its Facebook page. The club has also had several camping trips and movie nights, Hulme said.

Although the group is winding down for the year, Hulme said it has a few more plans to finish the semester, including a concession fundraiser during the upcoming Rocky Horror theater production this month.

The group will co-host the annual dance and theater awards banquet along with dance honor society Chi Tau Epsilon on May 1 in the Silver Eagle Suite in the University Union. This year's theme is A-list celebrities, and the event will feature awards for the best theater and dance performers as well as designers and technicians. The evening will feature skits, music and dancing and the announcement of next year's club officers, Ferrie said.

This summer, the group plans to continue fundraising efforts with several car washes, Hulme said.

For more information, visit the University Players Web page on the official NT Web site or go to the Facebook group University Players.