The Marywood Players is a student-run theater organization. Although it is not the official Marywood Theater club, it is affiliated with the theater program.
The Players run smaller-scale projects compared to the plays and musicals run by the theater department. Most of the time, they are student-created projects. These smaller-scale acts allow for an entry point for anyone interested in anything theater-related.
Marywood Players President, senior Gabe Jenceleski, pointed out that the smaller projects the club puts on allow for any student in any major to try out theater if they never have.
“It gives an opportunity to people who might not have the time commitment to spend on a full main-stage project…The truth is main stage production takes a lot of time.” said Jenceleski
Jenceleski also emphasized that even though these performances are not as big compared to ones run by the theater department, they are still a great way for anyone to experience theater.
“People who are not majors get to perform in lower intensity but still fun projects.” explained Jeneceleski.
The club gives a chance for anyone to experience acting, directing, stage management and much more.
During the fall semester of 2023, the club held a “24 Hour Theater,” where in 24 hours, the club had to write, practice and then perform several acts. Each performance was an original piece done by the club.
One of the directors of the “24 Hour Theater” was first-year theater education major Sam Magan. She shares the importance of the Marywood Players.
“Being in a collective and being a part of something is really important, especially in a field like theater where you need to be collaborative,” shared Magan.
Jenceleski adds some advice to anyone interested in theater but not committed to the time investment that comes along with it.
“Some people love theater but don’t want to make a career out of it. If you want to perform the arts, this is a great place to do that… This is a great opportunity to commit not so much time to the theater, but enough to get what you want out of it.” Jeneceleski said.
If you are interested in joining or watching one of the club’s performances, its Instagram is updated regularly with news of upcoming events.
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