Amid hectic schedules consisting of classes, homework, jobs and other responsibilities, students at Ohio University have found ways to express themselves artistically through student organizations.
The best part of being in a student organization is it allows “a way to build friendships without the use of alcohol,” said junior Amy Graves, treasurer for the Athens Video Works Productions.
Out of more than 350 registered student organizations at OU, only 28 are designated as art-related groups. While small in number, these groups encompass a wide variety of subjects, from the Kumdo Club, which teaches “the way of the sword,” to music-related groups, such as the Women’s Chorale and the American Music Therapy Association of Students.
The Athens Video Works Productions group is a completely student-run organization that focuses on television production both inside and outside of the studio, said senior video production major Brian Fisher, the group’s general manager.
The group produces nine television shows that air between 8 and 11 p.m. on WOUB2. Shows include Ohio Sports Zone, about intramural, club and OU sports; Confused?, a children’s entertainment and education program; and a sitcom called Chester’s House.
Athens Video Works Production has a long history. Sauti, the group’s longest running show, has been running for over 25 years. It teaches about diversity and multicultural issues.
Another group, Comedy for the Masses, is a sketch-comedy group that gives students the opportunity to write and perform their own comedic material.
“We provide a good outlet for creativity,” said Mike Reynolds, co-director of the group. However, he was quick to add that the group is also beneficial to the audience. “We use laughter to make people feel good inside, and laughter is good for you.”
The organization usually performs two large shows a quarter as well as several smaller ones. The group has a show scheduled for homecoming weekend.
Reynolds said that he considers the group, “a theatrical essence of the arts” because it gives people the chance to appear on stage.
The Lost Flamingo Company is a completely student-run theater organization that gives students the opportunity to be involved in every aspect of a theatrical production.
John McCarthy, adviser for the group, said the Lost Flamingo Company is a worthwhile group on campus because it covers important aspects of art, giving other people the opportunity to experience and enjoy art. It also gives students the chance to recreate existing plays and the opportunity to write and direct their own scripts.
The group will be performing three shows fall quarter including: The Movie Game, Oct. 13-14; The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oct. 23-25; and Wait Until Dark, Nov. 3-4.
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