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Act One: The Program
Our production-oriented program, the University Theatre, produces both the O’Connell Season, which consists of at least three fully-staged productions and the Playground Playhouse Season for young audiences.
Students may choose from a range of courses including, but not limited to, acting, stagecraft, ballet, jazz, stage lighting, theatre history and directing. University Theatre is an organizational member of the South Carolina Theatre Association and the Southeastern Theatre Conference. We also are active participants in the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival.
Organizations
University Theatre Players – The USCA student organization that supports the theatre program. All individuals on campus may participate in this particular organization. UTP is also active in supporting Student Activity and University performances that take place in the Etherredge Center. UTP supports Student Activities in other events such as the Haunted Hike, the annual Luau and the “Up all night” series at Pacer Downs.
Alpha Psi Omega – National Honorary Dramatic Society, Alpha Gamma Chi local chapter. Membership is based on participation in theatre events throughout the student’s career at USC Aiken. In addition to its support of the theatre program, the Alpha Gamma Chi chapter of Alpha Psi Omega supports all theatre activities within the Aiken community.
Facilities
Etherredge Center -- USCA's center for the fine and performing arts became a reality with its grand opening in January of 1986. The Etherredge Center, dedicated to the generosity of Cecil and Virginia Etherredge, houses two theatres, a 687-seat proscenium theatre, and the O'Connell Theatre, a 110 seat thrust theatre. Both theatres are equipped with a computerized lighting system and sound system. Also included in the facility are a scene shop, costume construction facility, dressing rooms, green room and property storage. The Etherredge Center also houses a box office, art and music studios, a computer laboratory, rehearsal halls, classrooms, music library and a fully equipped photography dark room. The Etherredge Center also houses three art galleries, the Upper and Lower galleries located in the lobby of the theatres and the Kierspe Gallery located across from the box office.
Scholarships
Financial assistance is available upon application to the University of South Carolina Aiken and to the department. Auditions for scholarships are held annually at the South Carolina Theatre Association fall convention, the Southeastern Theatre Conference convention and by appointment with the faculty.
Theatre Affiliations
University Theatre and the theatre program at USC Aiken are organizational members of:
The Southeastern Theatre Conference
The South Carolina Theatre Association
The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
