MU Players showing off their performance pictures.
KAREN FLORES / THE QUADRANGLE
By Karen Flores, Staff Writer
The fifth floor of Thomas Hall was lively last week as colorful posters decorated with photos of previous Manhattan University concerts, student showcases and performances were on display, as students looking to get involved with the performing arts met and talked with current board members.
A variety of groups, including the Manhattan University Players, Orchestra, Scatterbomb, Pep Band and more collaborated with the goal of inviting all new and current students to share their talent with the campus community.
Robert Nolan, a senior computer engineering student, has been involved with the MU Players since his freshman year and reflected on how his involvement with the group has influenced his college journey.
“I am not only an actor but I am the tech director for our shows,” Nolan said. “I do still implement engineering skills, there’s a lot of macro stuff you have to do such as building round lights, programming the lights, all that. No matter what kind of person you are, there is a role here for you. I got a job this summer and one of the things [my boss] was really impressed by was that I got this technical director role and the work it involved.”
Mark Dusovic, a senior mechanical engineer, said that being a part of the MU Jazz Band is something that he enjoys doing and that has allowed him to continue his hobby outside of academics.
“Balancing this with my academics is not hard and it does not feel like a commitment for me as much as it is a hobby,” Dusovic said. “There are times where I’m like, it would be really nice not to have to leave some place for rehearsal, but at the end of the day, I enjoy doing it to the point where I can build my schedule around it. We have a lot of good musicians, we have a really good teacher, and it’s overall a good time.”
Madison Hackett, a senior digital media arts major and a double minor in business and music, shared with The Quadrangle a bit about why she decided to join a performing arts group during her last year of college.
“I added the music minor last semester and I would never have considered myself musical maybe a year ago,” Hackett said. “But now, after being welcomed into MU Singers, I see that everyone is so amazing and nice. Andy [Bauer] is a great professor, so it makes you feel like you can leave academics for a bit and relax with music. I’ve been challenged to sing more in my music minor classes and joining singers has helped with that.”
Chayse Martino, a senior psychology major, is the president of Scatterbomb, the MU improv comedy group. She feels like being part of the performing arts groups on campus has helped her grow.
“I found myself making funnier comments in class, being more outgoing with people that I have met for the first time,” Martino said. “So it’s definitely just an all around outlet, but also, not just on cliche, but a lifestyle and a way to evolve more as a person.”
Michaela Scully, a senior communication major, agreed with Martino and added that seeing the group grow as a whole has been a wholesome experience.
“The first show I watched with my friends during my senior year was Scatterprom,” Scully said. “My friends were in Scatterbomb, they recruited me and the club has grown so much, and I am so grateful to have this form of expression that is silly but builds confidence at the same time.”
William Reed, percussionist in the MU Orchestra, encourages students to get involved with the performing arts groups on campus.
“If anyone wants to join orchestra or any performing arts clubs, they are always welcome,” Reed said. “We’re always looking out for new members. Reach out to the club members and even if you do not want to be a performer, come down and attend one of our many concerts: the arts are for everyone.”