History
Something for everyone and the opportunity to create more
Justin Garland '03, a religion and classics major from Lakewood, Colo., initially was drawn to the University of Puget Sound because of its size and the opportunity to be involved in many activities. With an interest in attending live theatre productions, he was surprised to discover that there wasn't an organized group on campus that went to see shows.
So
Garland, a freshman at the time, started one.
"It's so easy to start a group or a club, even as a freshman," he said. "That's what's nice about a school this size."
The Film and Theatre Society was formed in the late spring of 2000. In a year and a half, the group has seen 20 plays and four independent films. They were also able to extend classroom learning when members of a Shakespeare class purchased tickets for a production of "Measure for Measure" through the group.
"I started the club for pragmatic reasons—to give myself an opportunity to go to productions," Garland said. "I figured if I wanted to see theatre, other students might too."
Others did, he soon found out. In its two years, the group has amassed a membership list of 208 students. "It was obviously something lots of people were interested in," he said. Film and Theatre Society members are able to take advantage of group discounts for all shows in Tacoma and Seattle, enabling them to see live theatre in good seats for $10 each plus transportation costs.
The Film and Theatre Society is advised by Associate Dean of Students Houston Dougharty '83, who graduated from Puget Sound with a major in English. Dougharty, who was also involved in theatre, still has connections with actors in many of the productions the group goes to see, which has given members of the group opportunities to meet and talk with some of the actors.
Garland has also gotten involved in many of the pre-existing activities at Puget Sound, including the student activist group Freak Out!, the Residential Assistant (RA) program, the campus visit program, the ASUPS Lectures committee and the United Methodist group. As a tour guide for the admission office, Garland always encourages incoming freshmen to join clubs or participate in other activities.
"Get active in something," he said. "There's so much offered on this campus. By getting involved in a club, you'll meet people who share common interests."
Or, he suggested, start a new club. Garland has never regretted starting the Film and Theatre Society. In addition to getting to see great shows, he said, the 45-minute drives to Seattle to see the plays have often resulted in new friendships.
"I get to go do something that I love," he said. "I get to see good movies and theatre inexpensively. It's nice to have a group to do it with."
—LiAnna Davis
'04
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