The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, January 27, 1997, Page 4, Image 4
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AMY SHANNON Staff Writer
From where I was standing in
the parking lot, the shabby brick
facade of Trustus looked dull and
unpromising.
But once I peered into the seating
area, I realized I had been wrong.
Rows of soft, comfortable easy chairs,
arranged on several tiers facing the
stage, promised the audience at
Trustus one of the most unique
theatre experiences in all of Columbia
Bowls of free popcorn, swivel-back
La-z-boys, drinks from the bar, and
an engaging live performance. What
could be more entertaining?
One of the original ideas behind
the founding of Trustus was aimed
toward "making it as comfortable
as watching theatre in your living
room. People bring drinks to their
table with the free popcorn. It's more
laid back for people who feel theatre
is too stiff," said Dewey Scott-Wiley,
a full time staff member, actress,
and director at Trustus.
Scott-Wiley, also a professor at
USC-Aiken, said she thinks .people
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wont to get more involv
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sdule? If so, the UNIV R
VI&RSSRDORS ore for yc
>btoin on application From t
Career Center, or the Russell
on Desk Rpplications are di
on Session on Thursday, Jan
>.m. in the Visitor Center. For
motion, call the Visitor Centc
777-0169.
attend productions at Trustus instead
of other theatres because of its
comfortable atmosphere.
"They keep coming back to
Trustus because of the diversity we
offer," she said.
Diversity is one word that
describes Trustus well. Now in its
12th season, Trustus produces a wide
USC Greeks
by Betsy |
For nearly 150 years, Greek letter
organizations at USC have been an
integral part of the campus
community.
There are currently 19 fraternities
and 14 sororities that comprise the
Greek system on our campus. The
Fraternity Council serves as the
governing body of the men's Greek
letter organizations, while the Sorority
Council serves the women's Greek
letter organizations.
All groups focus on scholastic
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variety of shows which attract man]
different people into its nightly
audience. Some of the company':
productions for its 1996-1997 seasor
include comedies, musicals, one mar
shows, national debuts and Pulitzei
Prize winners.
In the past, Trustus als<
approached various contemporary
themes such as AIDS, homelessness
and growing up on the streets. Ever
though it may seem as if Trustus
offers a little something for everyone
conservative members of the
community may tend to shy away
from Trustus.
One explanation of this might be
as Scott-Wiley puts it, "We're nol
afraid of controversial subjects. We're
thought to be racier, although we dc
a variety, not just controversial ones
It depends on the play."
Even more controversial and
cutting edge are Late Nights al
Trustus, according to Scott-Wiley
Late Nights are geared toward the
younger, college crowd, so the shows
ieacure more risque ana avant-garae
material than the main stage
productions.
"We're trying to cultivate a new
generation of theatre-goers," ScottWiley
said. Late Nights begin at
11:15 p.m. on Friday nights and
usually last one hour and fifteen
minutes. Sometimes rock bands
entertain the audience during set
changes. Tickets cost $6, sold on a
win nation
achievement, leadership opportunities
and educational programming.
Three sororities and three
fraternities were recently recognized
for their achievements by receiving
awards from their national
headquarters. The members of Alpha
Delta Pi Sorority were presented
with an Achievement Award, a Pride
of the Lion Award for hosting an
event to enhance Panhellenic
Relations and a Diamond 4-Point
Award for chapter performance in
all areas.
Chi Omega Sorority was presented
with a Hospitality Award and was
one of three chapters chosen
nationwide. The members of Delta
Zeta Sorority were the proud
recipients of an award for their
Standards, as well as a Sorority
Education Award.
TC. ON WEDNESDAY Preview of t
El
ck At [
IS !
/ first come, first serve basis. The bar
/ opens at 10:45 p.m. I
3 On the other hand, main stage
l shows start at 8 p.m. and run
l Wednesdays through Saturdays. B
r Tickets range from $12.50 to $15,
but $10 student discount tickets can
) be used on Wednesdays and
j Thursdays. Reservations are
, recommended for main stage
i productions, and the bar opens at 7
3 p.m.
, Auditions at Trustus are open to
i all actors and actresses, although [j
j the majority of performers belong to L
the regular company. Scott-Wiley
, noted many USC students audition I
t and participate at Trustus.
! A few USC students currently
> involved at Trustus are Thorn and
Mindi Penn and Patrick Holland.
In addition, Trustus staff member
I Jayce Tromsness teaches at USCColumbia
as part of the adjunct
faculty. M
! Most Trustus performances run Tj
i for about four weeks. Rehearsal
j commences five weeks earlier, su
s sometimes longer for musicals. Rj
Every year Trustus holds a
Playwrights' Festival in August. n(
Playwrights from all over the country co
; submit original works to the theatre. ^
1 "We try to feature new playwrights it
as much as possible," Scott-Wiley
said. Ti
Theworldpremiereof
"Streetwise," written by one winner,
al awards, try
Kappa Alpha Order received the coi
Scholastic Excellence Award, which
is presented to the top 20 chapters coi
in the nation with the highest GPA pis
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity po
chapter president Graem Clark was th<
one of four sophomores presented Re
with the Edward A. Zollinger Ja
Leadership Award, which is given Di
for academic achievement and
outstanding leadership within the ex<
fraternity, as well as various other we
campus organizations. att
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received the Most Improved Chapter rel
Award, and former chapter president rel
John Hutto was the sole member we
chosen from over 300 chapters in the sta
nation for the Ronald Regan ins
Leadership Award.
We commend each of the members th
of these chapters for their ne
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wtu? offers diverse stage perfo
itching a play at Trustus should 1
indy Mayer, is scheduled for May.
ustus also commissions writers to
eate specific plays for the theatre,
tch as Doug Williams' "Black Star
sing," which will debut in April.
Originally, the building which
>w houses Trustus served our
untry as a munitions warehouse
[ring the 1940's. Through the years,
was used for various industrial
irposes until 1988, the year when
ustus moved in and renovated.
But Trustus really began 12 years
for a repea
mmitment to excellence.
The leaders of the Greek
mmunity were anxious to make
ans for the new year, and their
sitive energy was contagious at
e 12th Annual Greek Leadership
treat. This conference was held
n. 9 through Jan. 11 at Palmetto
mes on Hilton Head Island.
Fraternity and Sorority Council
scutive and cabinet members, as
>11 as all chapter presidents,
ended the retreat.
Workshop topics included alumni
ations, leadership skills, public
ations and recruitment Facilitators
re comprised of USC faculty and
ff members, who provided valuable
light in each of these areas.
Retreat participants set goals for
e coming year and enjoyed
tworking with other leaders while
HB
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St
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Profe
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RECRU
Meet the chapter
Monday, January 27
8:00pm-10:00pm
Lumkin Room
B.A. 8th Floor
Please Dre
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udents
tional Fraternity of
i Sigma Pi
ssional Business
Fraternity
announces
ITING ACTIVITI
SPRING 1997
Professional Speaker
Tuesday, January 28 V
8:00pm-10:00pm
Alumni House
ss Professionally For Al
i
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irmanres in a comfortable setting. Ai
be as "comfortable as watching theatre
ago when Jim and Kay Thigpen cofounded
in 1984. For the first four
years, Trustus occupied a small rented
building on Assembly Street. Jim
and Kay Thigpen are still involved
with the theatre, holding the positions
of director and producing director,
respectively. Today Trustus employs
a staff of nine who serve on the board
which selects upcoming productions.
Currently, Trustus Theatre is
rehearsing one of Shakespeare's wellknowrl
plays, "Merchant Of Venice."
t performanc
learning aDoui eacn otner tnrougn
team building activities and
educational programming.
Last Wednesday, an Eating
Disorders program was held in the
lobby of South Tower. The event was
part of a joint programming effort
of the Office of Greek Life, Health
and Wellness Programs and the
Counseling and Human Development
Center to provide assistance for those
who may be dealing with eating
disorders, over exercising and/or
body image concerns.
A new Eating Disorders Support
Group will be forming this spring,
and the leaders of the group attended
the program Wednesday to provide
information about programs and
services available to assist everyone.
The Sigma Series will be held
Tuesday in the lounges of McBryde
( (#
We're not afraid of controversial
subjects. We're thought to be
racier, although we do a variety,
not just controversial ones. It
depends on the play.
Dewey Scott-Wiley
staff member, actress, and
director at Trustus Theatre
99
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jj^jsNp Jj
JEFF NICHOLSON The Gamecock
i director Dewey Scott-Wiley says,
: in your living room."
The production is set to begin on
January 31, and it will continue
through March 1. Also, on Jan. 31,
Late Nights at Trustus will host the
familiar comedy improv troupe, We're
Not Your Mother Players.
In February, Trustus Late Nights
plans to showcase different bands
from throughout the state. For
additional theatre or ticket
information, call the box office at
254-9732.
e this year
Quad from 7 pm. to 8 p.m. This joint
effort by the Fraternity Council,
Sorority Council and the Office of
Greek Life is designed to provide an
educational experience for the leaders
of USC Greek letter organizations.
Several one-hour workshops will
be facilitated by council officers,
cabinet members and chapter
presidents for chapter officers and
prvrnmiHon nY\ 5^lT*c: nn f Vtni v? onA/?i/?
roles within a fraternity or sorority.
The workshops will provide important
information and creative ideas for
the leaders of all Greek organizations.
All fraternity and sorority
executive members and committee
chairs are urged to speak to their
presidents to determine if a workshop
will be presented for their respective
positions.
ss
IES FOR
Reception
/ednesday, January 29
8:00pm-1 0:00pm
Alumni House
I Functions