With this semester being like no other, Villanova’s more than 280 student organizations have had to discover new ways to hold meetings and events, as well as gain new members. Villanova’s Student Musical Theatre, commonly known as VSMT, has been able to utilize its immense creativity in finding various ways to both recruit new members and maintain the friendships that the club fosters. 

Upperclassmen have been holding coffee dates with small groups of interested first year students so they can get to know one another while also learning more about VSMT. Additionally, the club’s annual Bigs & Littles week has been reimagined this semester. 

“We’re also moving forward with our annual Bigs & Littles week, and, although it will look different from past years, we’re so excited to be able to get new students more involved in VSMT,” President Amanda Atkinson said.  

After the move of its production of “Company” to Zoom performances, VSMT was looking forward to the Fall 2020 season. Similar to how Elle Woods’ sparked a new life at Harvard Law, VSMT planned to bring laughter and energy back to campus with a production of the Broadway hit musical “Legally Blonde.” However, due to the health risks associated with singing, the production was postponed. 

Last semester, the grand opening of the John and Joan Mullen Performing Arts center was put on hold due to the closing of campus. University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. was scheduled to direct the debut mainstage production of the Villanova Theatre in its new home this fall. He had selected the musical “Crazy For You!” and invited undergraduate students to audition alongside the members of Villanova’s graduate theatre program. 

“So many of us were looking forward to getting involved or seeing the show, so it’s definitely disappointing that it had to be cancelled, but I hope Father Peter is able to direct another show in the near future,” Atkinson said.

Nevertheless, VSMT is working to get both members and all students involved this semester with safe and socially distanced events. Atkinson reports that VMST and CAT have joined forces to host a musical movie evening at the Oreo in the coming weeks.