TSA shifts its focus to community events

Utah State University’s Caine College of the Arts Theater Student Association has shifted their focus from independent show production to community events.

According to TSA president Jason Craig West, before this semester, the association only funded and produced shows that involved students within the theatre department.

“Now the shows are for anyone,” West said. “We hold events that are meant to create growth, unity and friendships in and out of the department.”

In addition to the presentation of mainstream shows that require an admission fee, independent productions are still organized within the department. However, the TSA has relinquished responsibility to the students.

“We still help promote students who have a desire to put on their own independent shows but we are not longer in charge of them,” West said.

West said the department’s recent downsize was the primary factor that prompted the change.

“We don’t have enough man power for both independent and main stream productions,” West said. “But we still want to allow students the opportunity to perform.”

Rachel Van Kampen, who has been an official member of the TSA for two years, is excited about the recent modifications. Van Kampen believes that more students will now have the opportunity to showcase their talents.

“To me, the change allows for more outreach, not only within the theatre department, but all around campus,” Van Kampen said.  “I think everyone should have involvement in theatrical productions, and this change is a step in that direction.”

Van Kampen founded her own theater club, True Blue Sketch Comedy, with theater student Jake Smith.

“If the TSA hadn’t made this change, then I doubt I would have been given the opportunity to showcase some of the talents in True Blue,” Van Kampen said. “TSA gave us a start and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.”

While the TSA encourages the participation of non-theater students, it also encourages its members to get involved with USU campus events.

“We try to connect with students so they know who the theater department is and we do that by getting involved with campus events,” West said. “If we are going to succeed at gaining notoriety we need to branch out.”