Drexel Players

Drexel Players. The Drexel Players is the longstanding student theatre organization of Drexel University in Philadelphia. Founded in 1928, it is one of the oldest continuously running collegiate theatre groups in the United States. Operating under the auspices of the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, the company provides performance and production opportunities for students from all academic disciplines. Its season typically includes a mix of classic plays, contemporary works, and original student productions.

History

The organization was established in 1928, aligning with the growth of extracurricular activities at the then Drexel Institute of Technology. Early performances were held in various campus spaces, including the historic Main Building. Throughout the mid-20th century, under the guidance of faculty like John Sloan Dickey, the group solidified its reputation. It survived periods of shifting campus priorities and the Second World War, maintaining a consistent production schedule. The later 20th century saw the group formally integrated into the university's evolving arts curriculum, particularly following the creation of the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. Key milestones include collaborations with visiting artists and participation in regional festivals like the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

Productions and repertoire

The company's annual season is curated to present a diverse theatrical repertoire, spanning multiple genres and historical periods. Productions have included works by canonical playwrights such as William Shakespeare, Anton Chekhov, and Tennessee Williams, as well as modern and contemporary voices like Caryl Churchill, Suzan-Lori Parks, and John Cariani. A significant commitment is made to staging musical theatre, with past shows including The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Little Shop of Horrors. The group also champions new work through initiatives like the "Dragon's Eye" series, which workshops and produces original plays and musicals written by Drexel University students, often in partnership with the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts.

Notable alumni

Participation in the Drexel Players has served as a foundational theatrical experience for numerous individuals who later achieved prominence in the arts and entertainment industries. Among its distinguished alumni is Idina Menzel, the Tony Award-winning actress and singer renowned for her roles in Rent and Wicked. Television writer and producer David Fury, known for his work on series such as Lost and 24, also honed his craft with the group. Other alumni have found success in technical and design fields on Broadway, in Hollywood, and at major regional theatres like the Walnut Street Theatre.

Facilities and venues

For much of its history, the Drexel Players utilized the Mandell Theater, a flexible black-box performance space located within the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. This venue, named for benefactors Louis Mandell and Ruth Mandell, was the company's primary home for decades, hosting mainstage productions and student-directed lab shows. In recent years, the group has also performed in the state-of-the-art URBN Center Annex Black Box and other campus venues. Rehearsals and technical work often take place in the department's specialized studios and shops, supporting all aspects of production from scenic design to costume construction.

Affiliations and recognition

The Drexel Players operates as a key program within the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design's Department of Performing Arts. It maintains a strong affiliation with the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), regularly entering productions for adjudication and having students recognized with awards for acting, design, and playwriting. The company often collaborates with other Philadelphia arts institutions, including the Arden Theatre Company and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Furthermore, it provides practical training that aligns with the university's cooperative education model, allowing students to gain professional experience at organizations like the Public Theater and the McCarter Theatre Center. Category:Student theatre in the United States Category:Drexel University Category:Performing groups in Philadelphia Category:Theatre companies established in 1928