Theatre program offers more than entertainment

Waiting in the darkness for your cue to arrange the lights, enter the stage or apply last minute costume arrangements to make sure the productions go perfectly. Countless hours of work, days of performances and unforgettable moments create the lives of those involved in USC Aiken's Theatre Program.

USCA's Fine Arts Department is divided into three different sections: art, music and theatre. The theatre program gives students the opportunity to produce full productions that are performed in front of students and faculty as well as the general public. Students are responsible for showing up to rehearsals and memorizing lines, but the program is not all serious business those involved also get the opportunity to meet other people dedicated to the same craft as them.

USCA's theatre program is affiliated with several official organizations including: the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the South Carolina Theatre Association and The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.  

The students make use of the two theatre provided in the Etherredge Center, a 687-seat proscenium theatre, and the O'Connell Theatre, a 110 seat thrust theatre. The Director of Theatre Jack Benjamin has received many prestigious awards including the John F. Kennedy Center Medallion for his work in educational theatre.

 Students and faculty alike both have a strong connection to the program.

"Theatre allows you to express yourself and express other characters," said senior fine arts major Matt Yon.

A former student that was involved in the theatre department until he graduated in June 1988 "loved this place." Fast-forward 14 years into the future and now he works here as an assistant professor and designer/technical director in the same theatre department that he learned his craft.

I came to work here because I love the students. I believe in what we do here, " said Professor Chet Longley.