New Utah State theater club: The Student Production Association
Theater education student Robert Mac Minshew has created an opportunity for Utah State University students to get involved with theater in a new way. The Student Production Association is an opportunity for students to write and produce an original play during the school year.
McKenna Finley, a senior in the theater education program, said the new club is important to her and that students have been wishing for an opportunity like SPA for many years.
“SPA is an opportunity for students to be able to actually experience getting their own dreams off the ground,” Finley said. “It’s a chance for anybody who wants to try something to try it, without thousands of dollars of the university’s money going into it. So it’s a safe place to try and fail at things with a good support system.”
Dylan Seeley, chair of theater education for SPA, said the club is a unique opportunity that encourages student collaboration.
“Something that I’m really passionate about is playwriting and putting student works on stage, and letting people see that there is more behind us than just acting, or just teaching, or just turning on lights for shows,” Seeley said.
Students in SPA will spend fall semester drafting, processing and revising an original play. During spring semester, auditioning, rehearsals and performances will take place. Students can choose what they want to be involved in and how much time they can dedicate to SPA.
“We don’t have any time to ourselves, and so really, I wanted to create this project in that sort of mindset, thinking or allowing people to give what they’re able to give, and not feel bogged down by the weight of responsibility of doing a normal show or anything like that,” Minshew said. “If people want to come to one meeting and just see what it’s all about, that’s great. If you want to dedicate all your time to this, that’s great. Whatever time you’re able to give is time that’s going to be valuable to us.”
Seeley said SPA is a learning opportunity and a creative collaboration where everyone has a voice.
This year’s play theme is “The Game.” Minshew said some scene ideas have been about board game fights, a game of Risk that topples over and audience participation.
“I am really excited to see everyone’s work get put together into a show in the spring,” Seeley said. “I think it’s going to be something that’s really unique, and it’s going to open doors to new opportunities for a lot of people.”
All students — regardless of major — are welcome to join SPA at any point in the year.
“A lot of people stop doing theater after high school, even though it’s something they’re really passionate about, and this is a way to keep a toe in the water, to be able to continue to explore,” Finley said. “It’s not competitive, it’s not hierarchical, and it’s a safe place for everyone. And if you’ve always wanted to audition for a show but didn’t know when auditions are, or don’t know what to expect, then coming to SPA will open that door a little bit more for everybody.”
Students that are interested can reach out to Minshew, the club president, at A02201092@usu.edu.