Winthrop University prides itself on offering a copious amount of art events. From live performances to arts exhibitions to art clubs there are many opportunities for students to get involved in the arts.
For those that enjoy performing, the theatre and dance department have six shows this semester. For those wishing to audition for theatre shows, sign-up sheets will be posted in Johnson Hall near the elevator.
Students must sign up for a specific time slot and auditions usually happen over one to two days. The lists will also specify what students need to have prepared and audition materials are available to students in Johnson 115. Students who are needed for callbacks will be notified after their audition.
Cast lists will be posted shortly after auditions and just because a student does not get a callback it does not mean they did not get casted. Dance auditions typically happen upstairs in one of the Johnson Hall dance studios. Students should come dressed with the proper attire and footwear depending on the kind of dance show they are going for.
For students who enjoy art events but may be short on cash, ushering is an easy way to see a show for free and help the theatre and dance department. Students who volunteer to usher are given a free ticket to the performance and it only takes about an hour.
Several art clubs exist to give students a chance to meet and collaborate with fellow artists. Clubs can be the best way to get involved in the arts because they meet year-round.
For students who enjoy expressing themselves through poetry, Def Poets Society provides a creative outlet for students to express themselves through writing, spoken word and singing. Some events this club has include Open-Mic nights, Slam Poetry Competitions, and Creative Workshops.
For students who wish to work on their improvisation skills Improv This! meets weekly and provides entertainment with improvisational games.
For those who enjoy creating visual art, the Society of Illustrators meets and creates art and puts on art shows to allow artists to show off their work.
For those who enjoy dance and expression through movement, a few clubs exist with specific dance styles focused on in each club. One of these clubs is Kinetic Fever, a hip-hop dance club which offers dance lessons and chances to collaborate with other organizations. Some events Kinetic Fever hosts are flash mobs, competitions and showcases. Winthrop also offers a Swing Dancing Club for those who would like to learn and expand their cultural horizons. They have lessons at least twice a month and some theme nights.
For some students, especially those in their first year, joining a club and being heavily involved is all it takes for them to thrive at Winthrop. For theatre major Taylor Evans being involved helped her find her place on campus.
“From the theatre department to Disney club, to my sorority. It helped me to branch out and become friends with all kinds of people,” Evans said. “I’m never bored on campus!”
In addition to required humanities courses, there is also always the option for students to take elective classes centered around the arts. There are many classes in theatre, dance, art and film.
Musical theatre major Shannon Bradley noticed the impact being involved in the arts and taking arts-centered classes had on her first-year experience.
“Having the arts incorporated into my schedule is absolutely incredible,” Bradley exclaimed, “Overall, my first-year experience was amazing and I’m so excited to audition for many theatre and dance productions this year!”
Winthrop makes it very easy for students to expand their horizons and get involved in the arts. Ultimately it is up to the student to sign up, show up and take advantage of Winthrop’s thriving art opportunities.