Basketball season is underway, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs (FASA) host formal recruitment, and an organization on campus known as FYP welcomes the newest members of their spring musical’s cast, crew and pit. FYP, or First Year Players, is an entirely student-run organization that gives non-drama majors at Syracuse University the chance to get involved in theatre on campus. This year their 2016 spring semester show is Heathers the Musical.
Although the organization is now in full swing with dance rehearsals, music practices and acting sessions, FYP has been hard at work long before the arrival of their new members. As an organization run entirely by students, the Executive Board and staff have been preparing for months— designing a set, creating the choreography, fundraising for the costumes. You name it.
“It’s that much more rewarding when you see the new cast, crew and pit reaping the benefits of all your past semester’s hard work. It’s what this organization is all about.” said Andrew Martini, a two-year veteran on E-Board, who is now serving as the Public Relations Director for #HeathersFYP. As a part of the new members first-year experience, the Assistant Producer Team, headed by Dominique Alvarado and Max Murphy, pairs up each first-year with a staff member in a mentorship program called Mentor/Mentee.
This past Sunday, they held a speed dating event during which members, old and new, got together to find out a little bit more about one another.
“Mentor/Mentee is my favorite time of the year! I love being the one behind the scenes, pulling the strings and making the magic happen for the first years” said Bryana Greer, one of the co-coordinators on the Mentor/Mentee team.
Getting mentors is only the first of many exciting events to come. As one of the largest organizations on campus, FYP also participates in community service events within the community such as Adopt-a-Street and OttoThon. Every year, they partner with a local charity that has relevance to the show’s central topics and theme. This year, FYP is partnered with Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope. Together, the two organizations hope to spread the message of tolerance and prevent bullying in schools around the Central New York Area.
Exciting things are underway. You can stay up to date with all things FYP by following their social media accounts @FYPSyracuse. Heathers the Musical is set to open April 14th, 15th and 16th! It’s sure to be something you don’t want to miss!