The Andrews University Theatre Wing (AUTW) is in the spotlight for this article, and after last year’s grand performance and packed house, we do not doubt that they are in for another successful year! This week, I interviewed three members and three officers of AUTW about who they are, what to expect in the future and why you should join them on their theatrical journey.
What does AUTW mean to you?
“To me, Andrews University Theatre Wing is another way on this campus to express yourself creatively. As a huge extrovert [who] just loves to be goofy and have fun, theater has become almost a form of self-care for me. I get to have fun with people who have similar interests as me and work together towards a common goal.”
— Margaret Rogers (sophomore, psychology)
“AUTW is a chance to perform in theater that I've never had before. It was also a chance to connect with new people when I was new on campus.”
— Bianca Loss (senior, elementary education)
“Being a member of AUTW has been quite a happy experience for me so far at Andrews. I had always loved performing on stage, but due to being homeschooled, [I] wasn't able to actually perform all that often, so I was understandably excited to learn about the Theatre Wing. Through the club, I've made new friends and become more outgoing as a person, as well as continuing to pursue my hobby of acting and performing.”
— Amos Cadet (sophomore, chemical engineering)
What club plans are you most excited about?
“This year, I’m, of course, super excited for our big production at the end of February, but we’re also planning on having more events this year, including a potential mystery dinner and participating in a chapel service celebrating Andrew’s 150th year!”
— Margaret Rogers
“We intend to do our ultimate theater production around the end of February, like usual. However, the club is also planning on [having] a party soon and we likely will do something special for the 150th Andrews University anniversary! As for me, I want to expand the joy of theater to the rest of campus. That would be my personal goal. The plans I am most excited for are the year-end production, for the hype and the fervor leading up to it.”
— Joel Pelletier (junior, English education/secondary education)
What are you hoping AUTW can do this year in regards to plans and maybe your ideas?
“I'm hoping we can bring more attention to the arts on campus and encourage others to join.”
— Bianca Loss
“I hope that we use understudies this year. In prior years, we've scrambled to get roles filled. Now that we have the opposite problem, it would be nice to see different people practicing the same role.”
— Johann Cheng (junior, communication)
What officer position do you hold? And why did you decide to become an officer?
“I am this year's Andrews University Theatre Wing secretary. I decided to become an officer this year because I love supporting the things I am passionate about. After feeling a little burnt out after high school, I decided to take a break from being actively involved in any leadership positions, but as club elections rolled around late last semester, I started to feel a little twinge of jealousy for those a part of an organization. I actually didn’t initially run to be an officer as I doubted my abilities to effectively lead due to this being my first production experience, but when a position was unclaimed I decided that was my sign. I am now so happy I did ultimately decide to run and I feel grateful to be a part of a club that I love.”
— Margaret Rogers
“I am the social media coordinator for AUTW. I became an officer because, truthfully, no one else was available, and I felt obligated to contribute to the club that had given me a purposeful hobby. Others turned it down, but I wanted to do more than an occasional Instagram post, and my objective has been to be as sociable as possible and recruit new members who love drama and even those who find out they love it.”
— Joel Pelletier
Why did you decide to join AUTW?
“I've always loved theater but could never participate because of keeping Sabbath. This was a chance to act while still honoring my beliefs.”
— Bianca Loss
“I joined AUTW at the invitation of my brother during my senior year of high school. It was a chance to try out theater when Andrews Academy couldn't put on a play due to COVID.”
— Johann Cheng
Give me a few words or a phrase to give a sneak peek into this year’s production.
“The three words I would use to describe this year’s theater production would be ‘quirky, chaotic, and caffeine.’”
— Margaret Rogers
“My sneak peek words are ‘insightful chaos.’”
— Joel Pelletier
What would you like to tell others about AUTW so they can join the club or the cast?
“I think sometimes theater and theater kids get a bad reputation, and people just believe we’re all some weirdos who have nothing better to do. I will confirm this ideology (not the nothing better to do), but not in the way you might be thinking. We definitely are all weird but the beautiful thing about AUTW is we accept each other's peculiarities and become a family because of these things. So if you have interest in joining or think you may want to eventually, I invite you to come see what our organization is really about!”
— Margaret Rogers
“We're a great group of people, and we'd love to have you.”
— Joel Saturne (senior, business marketing)
Lastly, give me one reason people should be a part of AUTW.
“To join a creative and welcoming group and grow your appreciation and enjoyment of the arts!”
— Bianca Loss
“One of the biggest reasons why I think people should come and join AUTW is because being able to tell a story that helps both entertain people and makes them think is one of the best things that one can do for this campus. After last year's play, many of us were approached by people who came to our productions, saying how much they appreciated it and how much they could relate to the story. That alone was one of the best parts for me, and I believe it's a good reason for anyone to want to join, so I hope to see you all at AUTW or our play!”
— Amos Cadet
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.