Theater Groups

The history of theatrical performances at this school is a long one, going back to June 3, 1921 when the senior class put on the play "A Girl in a Thousand," which was the first form of public entertainment that the school participated in. After that, it became a tradition for the senior class to put on a class play each year. Following is a listing of each of the organized theatrical groups that have existed on this campus, from its beginning in 1928.

• Dramatic Club - The Dramatic Club was organized in 1928. The goal of the Dramatics Club was to provide students with a time and place to practice and display their talents in the area of acting. Productions were held frequently, and all students were encouraged to join the Dramatic Club. At one point, the Dramatic Club was renamed the Hudramics Club, but the goal remained the same.

• Association of Performing Arts - Under the direction of new theatrical directors, the name of the Hudramics Club was changed in 1974 to the Association of Performing Arts. Along with the name change came a slight change in focus. The Association of Performing Arts (APA) opened their auditions to the community in addition to university members. Additionally, the APA was open to all forms of the performing arts, rather than being a strictly theatrical organization, as was the focus of the Hudramics Club.

• Pioneer Playhouse - Pioneer Playhouse, a children's theater summer program, was started by Mr. John Sbordone in 1974. The summer program, while it does not continue today, lasted up until 1990.

• The Drama Club - After a period of difficulties with having enough interested participants to put on performances, the Association of Performing Arts slowly died out; however, in the Spring of 1996 interest rose, and the following fall saw the rebirth of dramatics at the University of Maine at Presque Isle when a group of students formed The Drama Club.

Page created by: Lynda C. Stawasz
Page Updated: April 19, 1998
Library Web Pages Maintained by: Eric Brissette