TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)—Indiana State University is celebrating 100 years of theater productions with a special event on April 12.
The event will feature a luncheon for alumni, students, and friends of the department, as well as tours of Dreiser and Seventh Street Theaters. During the evening, those who attend the event will be treated to a pre-show toast ahead of a performance of “Reefer Madness”. The performance is a musical based on the original 1936 film of the same name. This comedy takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria caused when straight and narrow kids fall prey to marijuana. The show is said to include musical numbers inspired by Vegas-style ensembles and Broadway-style showstoppers.
Indiana State University President, Dr. Mike Godard, stated, “For a century, Indiana State University’s Theater productions have become a pillar of the greater Terre Haute community, and a hub dedicated to first-class performances and enriched storytelling. I want to extend my gratitude and congratulations to the dedicated students, staff, and faculty who have helped shape the theatre into what it is today, and I look forward to the next century of success.”
The theater on campus was founded in 1925 and originally started as a club named The Sycamore Players. In the 1930s, The Sycamore Playhouse was constructed in the basement of the Administrative Building, and the stage in the Physical Education Building was fitted with new equipment. In 1935, the Delta chapter of Theta Alpha Phi came to campus; they were a drama fraternity that grew and sponsored events like the Sycamore and Campus Revue. In 1950, the new Sycamore Playhouse was built with a larger capacity and better amenities, leading to the Indiana State Theater Division of the Department of Speech becoming more involved with the Terre Haute Children’s Theatre in the 1960s.
The New Theater, built next to the Cunningham Memorial Library, opened in 1980. Throughout the decade, Theta Alpha Psi would host Theaterfest, where students could perform each year. In April 1990, the University Theater received an award from the American College Theater Festival, held by The Kennedy Center, for “Downwinder Dance”. In 2023, Dreiser Hall, the home of the Department of Theater, was rededicated after the $18 million state-funded renovation.
Dr. Chris Berchild, Chair of the Department of Theater, added, “Theater at Indiana State University has transformed from a small student club into a thriving program that continues to inspire and entertain. This celebration is not just about the past, but about the future—embracing new talent, new stories, and new experiences. We invite our alumni and the community to join us in honoring this incredible journey.”
Registration for the celebration lunch and pre-show toast closes Friday and sign up at this link. “Reefer Madness” will run from April 10-13 from 7:30 p.m. with an additional matinee performance at 1:30 p.m. on April 13. The event is open to alumni, current students, and community members. Tickets to the show can be purchased here.
