Limelight on U...
The Mountebanks
Mike Porzio & John Nobrega
Issue date: 5/4/06 Section: News
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Union College has the distinct honor of being home of the Mountebanks, the oldest run college theatre group in the world. The first performances of the Mountebanks were held as early as 1804; however the producing organization of the Mountebanks was founded in 1911. The club got its name from an Italian word meaning "vendors of charms, drugs, and quick medicines, who attracted purchases by improvised dramatic performances on the street."
The group took off in the late 1920's due to the expertise and coaching of Edward Carrol. It was around this time that a home for the Mountebanks was built. Hanna Hall was built in 1928 and housed the Mountebanks for some time until Yulman Theatre was created. Despite these two beautiful facilities, club members enjoy the thrill of performing outside of the theatre environment and showcasing their talents wherever possible.
The Mountebanks serve Union College and the community in a variety of ways. They help seniors with their senior projects, work in conjunction as much as possible with the Minerva Houses and other theme groups, and hope to get involved in the greater community by teaching acting classes at various high schools and drama clubs in Schenectady.
Anyone can join this student organization. One of the many perks of joining the club is the prospect of seeing a Broadway show. The Mountebanks are interested in enacting a student workshop under the guidance of Professor Steckler. Next year, there are plans for the Mountebanks to make a video about the Minerva Program for prospective students.
Overall, this group allows students to get involved with a different aspect of college life. Freshman Sean Mulkerne states, "I joined the Mountebanks so I could meet people with similar interests. In the Mountebanks, we don't just sit around talking about how cool theater is but we are actually actively doing things. With the Mountebanks, you can actually work on your talent the way you want to… it's theater how you want it to be."
Meetings are held Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of Yulman Theatre.
The group took off in the late 1920's due to the expertise and coaching of Edward Carrol. It was around this time that a home for the Mountebanks was built. Hanna Hall was built in 1928 and housed the Mountebanks for some time until Yulman Theatre was created. Despite these two beautiful facilities, club members enjoy the thrill of performing outside of the theatre environment and showcasing their talents wherever possible.
The Mountebanks serve Union College and the community in a variety of ways. They help seniors with their senior projects, work in conjunction as much as possible with the Minerva Houses and other theme groups, and hope to get involved in the greater community by teaching acting classes at various high schools and drama clubs in Schenectady.
Anyone can join this student organization. One of the many perks of joining the club is the prospect of seeing a Broadway show. The Mountebanks are interested in enacting a student workshop under the guidance of Professor Steckler. Next year, there are plans for the Mountebanks to make a video about the Minerva Program for prospective students.
Overall, this group allows students to get involved with a different aspect of college life. Freshman Sean Mulkerne states, "I joined the Mountebanks so I could meet people with similar interests. In the Mountebanks, we don't just sit around talking about how cool theater is but we are actually actively doing things. With the Mountebanks, you can actually work on your talent the way you want to… it's theater how you want it to be."
Meetings are held Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of Yulman Theatre.
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