The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/9/07 Section: Variety

Media Credit: TYLER GOFORTH The Fine Arts Building on Baldwin Street provides many opportunities to University students. [Click to enlarge]

Drama is all over the place and is growing almost as fast as Shia LeBeouf's career.

It can be quite a daunting task for the hopeful theater major who strives to beat the odds and pave a path out of Athens.

But fear no more the heat of uncertainty, and remain calmly aware of the people and places who will help you get started.

On-campus locations are the most accessible if you are a freshman trying to make an appearance in the Athens drama scene.

According to the University Drama Department's Web site, auditions are held on the first two days of each semester.

The University Theatre hosts six plays every semester at the main stage in which the selected students will perform. Upcoming plays include "A Midsum-mer Night's Dream" and Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds."

Several student-run organizations that allow experience to those seeking it are listed on the Web site as well.

The most well-known among them is the Thalian Blackfriars, whose events during the year range from one-act plays to radio show improv.

Joining the organization requires you to register and to be a student.

Commedianti Georgiani is another organization that uses a traditional form of improvisational humor that dates back to the Renaissance.

Black Theatre Ensemble, or BTE, produces plays, readings and poems by African American authors. It is also student run, but requires no previous experience.

The organization provides experience in other fields of stage management, technical direction and other jobs necessary in putting up a performance. Past productions include "Dreamgirls" and "Love Jones."

Athens is also home to a number of private production companies and community theaters.

Town and Gown Players, located downtown behind the Taylor-Grady house at the Athens Community Theater, depends on charity.

Anyone is welcome to audition for plays as well as other forms of work. Town and Gown Players usually performs 10 to 12 plays a year.

Other places of interest include Athens Creative Theatre, The Morton Theatre and the Classic Center Theatre. They are located around Athens and might be of interest if you're seeking some cultural enrichment.

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