Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Take a Bow, GU Performing Arts

Politics. Languages. Architecture. Popped collars. There are a lot of reasons that students apply to Georgetown; however, many don’t typically think of the arts as one of them. We, however, beg to differ. It wasn’t long ago that arts at Georgetown were considered a fringe interest at best – something that real students only did in their spare time. But the academic spotlights are gradually beginning to shine on art, particularly the performing arts. And the addition of better facilities and a healthy spirit of cooperation among students and faculty are finally setting the stage for an explosion of creativity. When plans were drawn up in 2004 to renovate the abandoned Ryan Administration Building, many wondered what purpose the century-old former basketball court would provide. And when the university announced its intention to incorporate the structure into a new center for performing arts, others doubted whether such a project would amount to much. Critics quickly found what they were looking for. Soon after the opening of the Royden B. Davis, S.J., Performing Arts Center in the winter of 2005-2006, complaints abounded about the extent of its benefits for students. Enter stage left: Student theater troupes (particularly those independent of the university) found that reserving space was much more difficult than most thought it should be. But, of course, the show went on. We are continually impressed by the efforts of student groups to overcome obstacles and make the most of the opportunities afforded to them. While the Mask and Bauble dramatic society chose to keep its home in the basement of Poulton Hall, other groups, such as Nomadic Theater, flocked to the Davis Center and have continually filled its Gonda Theater with impressive original productions. Most recently, the fantastical yet philosophical play “The House of Blue Leaves” written by Georgetown alum and Tony Award winner John Guare (CAS ’60) is now being performed at the Davis Center. Not to be outdone, the university’s a cappella groups have developed two of the most successful lyrical festivals in Washington: D.C. A Cappella Festival in the fall and the Cherry Tree Massacre in the spring. The performing arts center is also home to a promotion of diversity. Now in its fourth year, Urban Fare has established itself as the home of Georgetown’s growing urban dance culture, featuring Hoya Break Squad, GU Step Team and the always-popular, award-winning Groove Theory. We have also seen encouraging organizational efforts by the new Guild of Bands, using the strength of numbers and shared resources to expand their art. The university’s performing arts community is now healthier than ever, and we at Georgetown should demonstrate our appreciation and support for our new facilities and the talent budding around us. Much credit should be given to the efforts of those students who have dedicated so much of the time and effort to bringing an essential element of any education to the Hilltop. Break a leg, Georgetown.

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