One, two, three, ACTION! If your passion is theater or you are in search of a way to meet new people while learning a new skill, Shippensburg University’s Act V club may have exactly what you are looking for.

For more than 10 years, student-run Act V has welcomed the participation of many individuals at varying skill levels. Producing not only plays but musicals as well, Act V gives students a chance to tune up their acting, dancing and singing abilities. However, if students feel as though the spotlight is not for them, they can still play a significant part in production by helping backstage.

Previous hit performances by Act V include spring 2016’s “Spring Awakening,” and fall 2016’s shadow cast performance of “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The second and most recent performance by Act V this fall semester was “37 Postcards,” held in Memorial Auditorium from Nov. 11 to Nov 13.

“37 Postcards” was directed by senior Kathleen Foley, and like many performances by Act V, the time and effort put in by students was evident in the final product.

A story of a young man who returned from years of traveling abroad to a life much more chaotic and different than when he left it, “37 Postcards” appealed to the college student audience with mature irony and comedy.

“The reason why I chose ‘37 Postcards’ was because I wanted to do something different compared to past shows,” Foley said. “We’ve been rehearsing since Sept. 29, and all of the actors have been putting in 100 percent.”

Foley was set on directing actors to a successful weekend of performances since the play doubled as her senior showcase for her interdisciplinary arts degree.

Freshman Courtney Moran made her Act V debut as she played the role of Avery Sutton’s fiancée, Gillian Moore.

“This is the first play I have done with Act V, and it is a lot of fun,” Moran said. “It is nice to know that you are part of such a large group of people who enjoy the same things you do.”

Newcomers may struggle with acting spontaneously and stepping out of their comfort zone, which is a roadblock that takes time and practice to overcome. However, it is often worth the struggle in the end.

“I have learned to be a lot more confident since joining Act V,” Moran said. “It has helped me get out of my shell. ‘37 Postcards’ put me a little out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow.”

Junior Olivia Magallanes has prior acting experience under her belt, but just recently joined Act V. Magallanes played Evelyn Sutton, the sister of main character Avery Sutton.

“I auditioned for the part of Evelyn because in some ways I related to her. She can be oblivious and I can be oblivious sometimes, too,” Magallanes said. “Evelyn may have all these flaws, but she’s a perfectly harmless and overall sweet and caring woman, which I can also relate to.”

While Magallanes has played parts in other plays prior to joining Act V, she advocates for the fact that everyone, regardless of his or her background, should consider joining.

“You can absolutely be involved with Act V without acting,” Magallanes said. “We’re a student-run theater group, so if you aren’t too crazy about being up on stage, you can do anything from directing, to costume designing, lighting, tech, stage building and propaganda. Anything you may be interested in you can do.”

Act V’s next play of the semester will be, “Check Please!” which runs from Dec. 2–4 in Memorial Auditorium. While roles have already been filled for the play and practices are currently ongoing, Act V is currently holding auditions for “Heathers: The Musical,” from Nov. 14–16 from 9:30–11:30 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium. Those interested in auditioning should come prepared with 16 measures of a song and a one-minute monologue that is preferably dark or comedic.

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