▲ Provided by KUTC.

For Korea University (KU) students enthralled by the bright lights of the theatre, do not just wait in the wings. Stay out on outer stage with the KU Theatre Club (KUTC).

KUTC is one of the clubs that has the longest history at KU. It was formerly the Bosung Drama Club founded in 1928 with the support of progressive artists as part of an effort to resist Japanese imperialism during the Japanese colonial era. KUTC was officially launched in 1948. With 80 years of history, KUTC has hundreds of former members. The late Yeo Woon-kay (’58, Korean Language and Literature), an admired Korean film actress and television personality, and Kim Soo-Hyun (’61, Korean Language and Literature), a renowned screenwriter, are only few of the past members KUTC is proud of. Anyone who loves drama can join, but it is more than just a school club where you can hang out with friends. In KUTC, actors and staff work together to make professional performances.

There are several drama clubs at KU, but KUTC is the main drama club. When compared to the other KU drama clubs, “having students from diverse majors is the biggest advantage. For example, art and design majors and architecture majors are of great help in stages. When analyzing the same script, we discuss it from diverse perspectives,” said Yoo Jiyoon (’08, Philosophy), the president of KUTC. That is not all. While KU does not have a department of drama and cinema, KUTC fills that role. A significant number of KUTC members dream of working in related fields and do so afterwards. Choi Yoon-Jung (’12, Dental Laboratory Science and Engineering) said, “I am interested in organizing and planning performances as my future career.” Cheon Chang-Il (’12, Japanese Language and Literature) said that he oftentimes thinks of writing a script as a career. Some alumni who are currently in related fields visit the club to pass on their experience.

KUTC members have a busy schedule. KUTC’s semester begins with its regular semi-annual performance. In September, its members produced their 102nd regular performance with The Forced Marriage (Le Mariage Forcé) by French playwright Molière in the 4.18 Memorial Hall. The auditorium was full, mostly with KU students and friends and families of the members. Performing the same play, KUTC participated in the Chuncheon International Theatre Festival (CITF) and won first prize in the outdoor stage contest in September. “We regarded it meaningful just to participate, but were so thrilled to win,” said Yoo.

▲ KUTC on the first day of Ibadom. Photographed by Jeong Ji Hyun

The club’s actors and staff gave up their summer vacations to prepare the performance. “The performance was prepared by those who volunteered. Thus, everyone who volunteered put much effort to it. Throughout the two-month summer vacation, we practiced for five hours a day,” said Cheon. In fact, that is why KUTC people think highly of their club. “We have to be ready by opening night. After the performance is over, we enjoy a sense of accomplishment, which motivates us to work on the next performance. Moreover, working together with a specific goal makes us become closer with each other,” said Choi.

▲ Actors of A Doll’s House are warmig up before a practice. Photographed by Jeong Ji Hyun

At the start of each semester, KUTC holds an Ibadom. The Ibadom is an acting school held for KU freshmen. Usually, it is held at the end of March and September for three days, and the participants who want to become club members audition on the last day of Ibadom. Only those who participate in Ibadom can join the club. On the first and second days of Ibadom, freshmen learn about what actors and staff do, and the auditions are held on the last day. “Ibadom is more for the applicants, rather than the recruiters. There are many students who try tochoose only one of the different roles. However, a play cannot be performed only with actors or staff. Through Ibadom, applicants can get a broader overview of the theatre,” said Choi.

▲ Two actors practicing a scene for A Doll’s House. Photographed by Jeong Ji Hyun

After recruiting is over, KUTC members have a “Day of Theatre” every Thursday when they learn about and practice theatre. At the same time, 10 to 15 members form a group for the next regular performance. Currently, KUTC members are preparing A Doll’s House (Et Dukkehjem) by Henrik Ibsen, practicing three times a week. “I was a lighting designer in The Forced Marriage, and am now in charge of props. I am trying to do better this time, but I am a bit worried, for I am inexperienced at this. Nonetheless, with the help of many experienced members, I hope we will again manage the performance well,” said Cheon. There are also two former members, Lee Seong-Jong (’03, Electrical Engineering) and Lee Seong-Ho (’03, Electrical Engineering) who come to KUTC and instruct the actors. The practices are well-organized and focused. “While many clubs in universities aim to promote good fellowship among members, 90 percent of KUTC lies in practice and theatre,” said Park Sung-Ho (’08, Food and Resource Economics). A Doll’s House will be performed from November 29 to December 1 in the Student Union Building.

As usual, recruiting will be held next March. There may be some who are interested in theatre, but lack the confidence to be on stage, standing in the spotlight. Unlike many students’ perception, KUTC welcomes anyone who is interested in the theatre and is willing to learn about it. “It is challenging work to produce a performance during a semester. However, we still get together and put our daily routines aside. That is because we can forget the stress and duties of our life here in KUTC,” said Park. He added, “Not a performance itself, but the process behind it remains longer and deeper in the memory.” Any KU student, regardless of age and grade, can apply for the next Ibadom in March 2013. Contact 010-2329-4399 or visit KUTC, located on the sixth floor of the Student Union Bilding, for more information. Everyone else can just enjoy KUTC’s next performance on campus.