Howard Players Student Organization at Howard University
Howard Players Student Organization at Howard University
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The Howard Players is a historic student run theatre organization founded in 1909 created to tell stories.
The organization is the on-campus theatrical organization at Howard University, and has been a voice for the performing arts since 1909. Ernest Everett Just came to the University in 1909 as an instructor of English and together, with a number of students, organized the first drama group, known as the College Dramatic Club.
For several years, this club gave performances annually at the Howard Theatre, a local theatre in Washington, D.C...
In 1920 courses in Dramatic Art were offered for academic credit for the first time. That same year the College Dramatic Club became known as the Howard Players.
The practical work of acting, character portrayal, technical work for the stage, making of costumes, and production management became the course offerings in Dramatic Art.
Since its founding, the Howard Players are supported by a faculty advisor who volunteers to serve as a mentor and official faculty support for the organization.
The Players of today attribute Ernest Everett Just, Anne Cooke Reid, and Owen Dodson as the three founders of their beloved organization who made significant contributions between 1909-1968.
One thing to note is when you become a student in the Department of Theatre arts you are automatically considered a member of the Howard Players. However, there's a slight distinction made between dues paying members and non dues paying members. Whether a student could afford to pay dues or not, they are forever a Howard Player!
Howard University Player, 1920s (Photographer: Addison Scurlock)Source: Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
To the Left and below, 1996 Special Howard Players Newsletter Commemorative Issue. honoring the 1933 Howard players Dramatic Pro-Mo-Tor.
1967 Howard Players membership card. Courtesy, Richard Wesley
1967 Howard Players membership card. Courtesy, Stephen Byrd
Above, two 1967 Howard Players membership cards from alumni playwright, Professor Richard Wesley and Playwright and director, Stephen Byrd.
Howard Players 2024 Mission
Howard Players 2024 Mission
We, The Howard Players, a student-based organization, in addition to striving for academic excellence, do hereby establish the following goals and purposes:
The creation of a membership of theatrical artists from the Howard University community working in every capacity related to the performing arts.
The recognition of the Howard Players as a distinguished and functioning artistic organization on the Howard University’s campus in the Washington, D.C. community, and in the realm of theatre everywhere.
The attainment of the highest standard of performance quality in order to dispel apathy and acquire discipline, confidence, and proficiency, and respect for ourselves, the stage, and our respective crafts.
The growth and development of our members in the various areas of application wit in the discipline of theatre.
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