What is the Black Curtain Society?

Annnnnnd...ACTION!

For the first time in about a year and a half, LBCC has a drama club again. Performing arts teacher Dan Stone has taken the place of Brian Newberg as the drama club advisor.

"The 'Black Curtain Society (formerly known as Theater Club) is in its infant stage," said Stone.  "We have around 15-20 members and we're trying to get the drama club back on track."

For the most part, Stone is focusing on doing improv and will be doing an improv traveling play that is produced during the summer. Right now the club is focused on raising money for the drama department.

Sean Brown was a film major and first started a film club and later, along with several other students, went to Newberg and asked if he would be their club advisor. When Brown was in the club there were around 8-12 active members.

Newberg, former drama club advisor and former performing arts instructor, was was asked in 2007 and would remain the advisor until 2009. During each of those years he would direct three plays and during the winter term he directed a children's story play to help raise money.

"I really think it's important to have a place where students can be open and social," Newberg said.  " Drama is a place where you can grow and be social."

When Newberg left (he eventually moved on to teach at Kent State University), some of the students kept drama club open and one of those students was Brown, one of the core students who created the drama club.

Newberg often told his students that they aren't just putting on a show, but learning as well. He was always there for his students and supported them throughout their decisions with the club. He made sure that there was a place for them to work in the theater and made sure it was open for them to use whenever they wanted, whether it was to act out or to just eat lunch and chill with their friends in a friendly environment.

Stone is also trying to create the same atmosphere.

Russell Tripp Performance Center.
Photo courtesy of LBCC .

"You guys are the future. All of the student government leaders, the journalists, and the theater crowd will be running the country one day. You guys keep us informed of what is happening in the world." Newberg said with a laugh. "The student government leaders create it. The journalists write about it and the theater crowd acts it out. I don't even want to think what would happen if we didn't have you guys around!"

Anyone that is interested, or wants to see what the drama club is about, can join. They often meet in the theater and hold weekly and/or bi-weekly meetings.

For more information contact Dan Stone, 541-917-4566.

At a glance:

What: The Black Curtain Society
 Advisor:  Dan Stone
Where: The Russell Trip Performance Center
Contact: Dan Stone, 541-917-4566
For more info: Facebook fan page