As the academic year begins, students look for new ways to build connections, explore different passions and find a sense of belonging, and there’s no better way to do that than by joining a new club.
Fall semester at Marquette University truly began on Sept. 4, as the school hosted its annual and much-awaited O-Fest in the Central Mall.
O-Fest provides a unique opportunity for first-year and returning students to explore the various clubs and organizations that Marquette has to offer. Students can speak to current members of each organization, learn about them and provide their contact information to obtain future updates about each group.
Though there are over 250 departments and organizations represented at O-Fest, performing arts groups at Marquette especially benefit from their exposure at the event.
With over a dozen various performing arts-based clubs at Marquette, prospective members are likely to find an organization that matches their interest, whether that be in band, choir, theater or dance.
Avril Beesley, a junior in the College of Communication and junior co-president of Pure Dance, finds that O-Fest is particularly valuable to the success of the different performing arts groups at Marquette.
“Even though we are Marquette-affiliated, we aren’t talked about as much,” Beesley said. “So, O-Fest gives us a way to talk to the incoming students and [let them] see who we are.”
This year, O-Fest had many attendees throughout its three-hour time slot. Within its first hour, some of these groups had already received around one hundred signatures from students wanting to learn more about them or potentially join them.
Additionally, this event serves as a good point for new students to expand their circles, as students have the opportunity to speak to welcoming students who will encourage them to try something new or continue a passion.
McKinnley Marks, a senior in the College of Health Sciences and music director of the Gold ‘n Blues, spoke about how the then-president of the organization convinced her to join the group after her first visit to O-Fest.
“I love to perform and I love to sing, but it is made so much better by all the people I’ve met in this group,” Marks said.
O-Fest also has plenty to offer when it comes to the performing arts. With the various genres of groups at Marquette, students are sure to find something new that they may have never considered joining before. Carter Empen, a junior in the College of Education and a member of the Studio 013 Refugees, encourages students to step outside their comfort zone.
“I think so many people just don’t know that they might enjoy performing arts,” Empen said. “So, you have to just try things, and no better way to find out where you can try things than [at] O-Fest and Marquette.”
These groups will continue their search for prospective new members after O-Fest. Groups will continue to post updates on their respective social media platforms, and some may require an audition, the dates of which vary by group.
Pure Dance Marquette
Pure Dance is a student-run dance organization that focuses mainly on lyrical and jazz styles. They are hosting auditions on Sept. 10 at 6:30 PM in Weasler Auditorium. To learn more, go to their website or follow their Instagram, @puredancemu.
The Gold ‘n Blues
The Gold ‘n Blues are Marquette’s co-ed a cappella group. Their auditions will take place from Sept. 7-13 in Marquette Hall 200. You can sign up for an audition time slot here. To learn more, go to their website or follow their Instagram, @mu_goldnblues.
Studio 013 Refugees
The Studio 013 Refugees are Marquette’s only improv group on campus. They are hosting workshops on Sept. 7, 14 and 22 at 7 PM in the Humphrey Hall Auditorium. Auditions will be held on Sept. 29 from 5-7 PM in the Humphrey Hall Auditorium. To learn more, go to their website or follow their Instagram, @fuge_stagram.
This article was written by Elise Emery. She can be reached at [email protected].
