MU | Theater Society
Theatre Society gives Hoggatt new ways to express himself that aren ’ t always afforded in other environments . He also values the group ’ s hands-on , collaborative approach to developing shows .
“ It ’ s really unique to be able to come in and experience a bunch of student-run , student-written productions ,” Hoggatt said . “ It ’ s so fascinating to learn what goes into a production , and it gives you a new sense of direction and skills that you can use in other experiences you have at Manchester .”
Bottom : Theatre Society put on an entirely student-led production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in April 2024 . Left : Braydon Hoggatt ’ 26 as villain Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame .
Clearly , Hoggatt is not the only student searching for a space where they can freely express their creativity and personality . In the past year , he has noticed an increase in the number of different areas of study represented in Theatre Society . “ It ’ s a great way for people to build connections across majors . In the musical , I don ’ t think there ’ s a major that wasn ’ t represented .”
Explore more photos from the Hunchback dress rehearsal here .
Theatre Society President Gracianne Nohl ’ 25 knew that she wanted to attend a university with a strong theatre community . When investigating Manchester , she saw Theatre Society included on the list of student groups , and while it was not the deciding factor , it did influence her decision to attend MU .
One of her favorite productions she has participated in is The View , her first performance as a Manchester student . “ I ’ ve grown a lot since this show , but it will always be a favorite because it was my first university performance and opened my eyes to my love of producing .”
Theatre Society not only gives students the opportunity to perform , but also to write and direct . Nohl ’ s dark comedy The Closing Shift , which centers on two high-school seniors working a night shift at a fast-food restaurant , premiered in November 2022 .
“ I spent about six months formulating my story and script , taking aspects from my time working at a fast-food restaurant and building realistic character arcs ,” Nohl said . “ It was my first time directing and producing a play that I wrote . Having full creative freedom and leadership over such a big project was both exhilarating and terrifying . I was and am forever grateful for that opportunity .”
Similar to Hoggatt ’ s sentiments , Nohl appreciates the space for expressive freedom that Theatre Society provides .
“ Theatre Society is special to me because it is a safe space for people who are passionate about the performing arts to collaborate , learn new skills , meet new people , and try new things ,” Nohl said . “ Seeing people who have never been involved in performing arts try it and fall in love with it makes all the countless hours and stress worth it .”