Walls full of old show posters and worn in couches and chairs grace the cozy and creative office of The GSU Players. Members mill in and out of the space preparing for the stage makeup workshop hosted by this theater group. Four of the organization’s student leaders are working diligently behind their desks stacked with scripts and directors manuals.
The student-run organization relies on the undergraduate board members to provide and organize the Player’s shows, workshops and events. A diverse collection of students with varying interests in theater form a community with a passion for this art, and their collaboration provides Georgia State students access to productions produced from the heart of its members.
Who are The Players?
Founded in 1932, The Players are the oldest chartered student organization at Georgia State and the oldest chartered theater group in the state of Georgia.
“We are the theater group on campus and I don’t like to call it the drama club because it’s not, but it’s like the college version of the drama club,” said Libby Blaeser, GSU Players’ president. “It’s basically where all the theater buffs, be it acting, tech, design, what have you, can meet, chill out, get to know each other and find new opportunities.”
Reaching far beyond the limits of a drama club, The Players put on several student produced productions a year, engage with the Atlanta theater community and will be performing a show in Scotland that was created in part by Georgia State’s Dr. Shirlene Holmes.
“The theater department is small but it’s still active so we really want to help get the word out about auditions and opportunities,” Blaeser said.
Working to engage those at Georgia State with a love for theater is the primary goal for this organization.
Play with The Players
Any student at Georgia State can join The GSU Players. For more information on how to join, email gsuplayers@gmail.com.
PHOTO BY RUTH PANNILL| THE SIGNAL
Libby Blaeser, President
Senior, English major
Q: Why do you enjoy theater?
A: It’s really cool being able to have an effect on people in some way. Be it teaching or through your performance it’s amazing to have triggered a change in people to make them think about something or see something differently.
Q: Do you have any recommendations for checking out theater in Atlanta?
A: There is so much improv in Atlanta and huge opportunities to improve in Atlanta. There are so many improv theaters like Dad’s Garage, Village Theater, Whole World.
Q: What are your personal career goals?
A: I’m really passionate about theater, but that’s not what I really want to do. I really want to teach high school. I want to teach English and I feel like I will probably do the drama club at some point in my life. I would also really love to act someday and just perform.
Kyael Moss, Comptroller
Sophmore, political science major
Q: What are your personal career goals?
A: Honestly, right now I am gearing up to go to law school.
Q: What have you learned from theater?
A: I use theater, basically, in everything that I do: public speaking, getting up in front of crowds and mustering up courage, being able to think on my feet. That’s part of why I love it and part of why I do it. It’s a release from all the stresses that I have to deal with on a day to day basis.
Q: Do you have any recommendations for checking out theater in Atlanta?
A: There are so many cool opportunities in regards to improv and their developing. There’s the Big House which is kind of the new thing that’s happening. Atlanta has become a hot bed for improv in a cool way.
PHOTO BY RUTH PANNILL| THE SIGNAL
Ann Powell, Publicity Manager
Senior, film major
Q: What are your personal career goals?
A: I would like to act for television and film. I’m currently trying to voice act.
Q: What have you learned from theater?
A: I finally decided to become a theater minor after one of my old professors told me that a theater minor is one of the greatest minors you can have because it shows you how to get over your nerves and talk on stage, and it shows you how to work with people. I am become so confident by having a theater minor.
Annie Ly, Production Manager
Senior, theater major
Q: What are your personal career goals?
A: I would like to continue with production design with either theater or film, it doesn’t matter. It’s basically the same steps.
Q: Why do you enjoy production design?
A: For me, I like building things and being able to see a finished product and say, “Oh, I did that.” I remember seeing the stage and it’s all flat, but then you get to create a new world. And it’s so much fun to see all the different design ideas come together.
Fast Facts about the Players
-Oldest chartered student organization at Georgia State.
-Oldest chartered theater group in the state of Georgia.
-You do not have to be a theater major to join.
-Dues are $10.
-Hosts workshops all year long including some on stage makeup and improv.
Those who play
-Writers: Writing scripts, monologues and additional story information.
-Production: Creating sets, costumes and anything else needed to set the scene.
-Tech: Being the hands behind the scenes.
-Directors: Communicating with entire cast and crew to achieve a unified vision.
-Actors: Cast members who take on the role of becoming someone new, to tell a story.
-Volunteers: Those who love theater and want to be around it more.
Upcoming Shows
Trouble in Mind
Nov. 6-9 & 13-16 at 8 p.m. and 9 & 16 at 3 p.m.
Dahlberg Theater
$10 for Georgia State students and $15 for general
The Student Showcase
Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.
Dahlberg Theater
$10 for Georgia State students and $15 for general
Enjoy a show for free
If you usher for a performance by the GSU Players, you get to watch one for free another night. Contact Front of House, Victoria Edwards at gsuplayers@gmail.com to sign up to volunteer.
