Blackfriars Student Organization
In the Spring of 1948 Oswego's rather loosely organized and defined Dramatics Club became Blackfriars. The name was adopted at the suggestion of Dr. Erwin Palmer, then technical director & co-advisor to the group with Dr. Rupert Stroud.
Blackfriars' Mission:
Blackfriars Constitution Email BlackfriarsThe purpose of this organization shall be to provide opportunities for the college community to experience all aspects of theatre and to cultivate a general interest in theatre.
2018-19 Blackfriars Theatre Executive Council
- President: Ryan Benson Smith
- Vice President: Shelby Gilbert
- Secretary: Brandon Macey
- Parliamentarian: Michaela Buckley
- Treasurer Designate: Nick Baiamonte
- Faculty Advisor: Cole Sostak
The duties of all the elected officers are described in Article V, "Elected and Appointed Officers and Their Duties," Sections 1 - 6 of the Blackfriars constitution.
Join the Blackfriars ListservBlackfriars Events
Blackfriars is responsible for a number of events and activities throughout the year. These include:
Blackfriars funds the Student Honors Show, a SUNY Oswego mainstage production that has a student led production team, cast, and crew!
A smaller scale, but fully produced, show that is 100% student produced, directed, designed, built, acted, and anything else you can name! Blackfriars’ started the Play Festival to ensure that students have opportunities in their areas of study and new areas and to bridge the gap between a mainstage production and self-mounting a full production or other theatrical event by simulating a lower budget professional production.
From 8pm on Friday until 8pm on Saturday a series of 10-minute plays are written, cast, rehearsed, and performed! It's a crazy tiring coffee-fueled adventure in the theatrical arts!
A classic holiday tradition filled with songs, skits, games, cookie baking contests, and more!
A themed drag competition judged by a panel of faculty/community guest judges. Sign up to compete as a King or Queen! Proceeds are donated to LGBTQ Charities! Intended for Adult Audiences only.
An opportunity for new students to mingle with returning students and faculty. All are welcome! Light refreshments are served.
An end of the year event to celebrate all of the hard work we’ve done throughout the year! Filled with games, food, and fun!
Performers Wanted!
A cabaret that does not conform to the gender norm! Singers perform pieces that are typically for the “opposite” gender.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
Blackfriars' is dedicated to creating educational opportunities for all students interested in theatre.
To name a few workshops, here are some recent ones:
- Theatre Professionalism
- Stage Combat (Hand, Single-sword, Broadsword)
- The Actor’s Voice, Film and Television Auditions, and more with Oswego Theatre Alumni Steve Mazzoccone ‘06 and Megan McGarvey ‘07
Blackfriars Advisors
- William Teufel, 1948 - 1951
- Mrs. Hilda Stahl Wagner, 1951 - 1952
- Frank W. (Crane) Johnson, 1952 - 1954
- Harold Hogstrom, 1954 - 1959
- John W. Kingston, 1959 - 1979
- John W. Mincher, 1979 - 1982
- Jon R. Vermilye, 1982 - 1990
- Ron Medici, 1990 - 2001
- Jonel Langenfeld, 2001 - 2002
- Paul Savas, 2003 - 2004
- Kelly Cullinan, 2005-2006
- Jessica Hester, 2006-2016
- Kelly Cullninan, 2005-2013 (Financial Advisor)
- Greg Brewster, 2013-2019 (Financial Advisor)
- Cole Sostak, 2016-present
Alpha Psi Omega (Mu Iota Cast)
Alpha Psi Omega is a Honorary National Theatre Society. The Mu Iota Cast of the organization was instituted at SUNY Oswego in 1950. Over the years the cast has produced plays, sponsored guest speakers and hosts (with the Theatre Department and Blackfriars) the annual High School Drama Festival (now in its 59th year). Membership is by invitation to Theatre Majors and Minors. Alpha Psi Omega, through conferring membership on a student recognizes that student's outstanding contributions to the Theatre program at Oswego including academic excellence and exceptional achievement in production work beyond that required through classes.
APO National