Five students were scheduled to join Alpha Psi Omega, Baker University’s honorary theater society, Thursday to complete the society’s initiation week.
Sophomore Ashley Pike said she was extremely honored to receive a bid for initiation.
“I’m excited to be involved,” Pike said. “It’s great to be included and have my work included. It’s just an honor to be involved.”
Alpha Psi Omega faculty sponsor Bruce Woodruff said the goals of the society focus on supporting university theater and being part of the production program.
Woodruff said nine bids were given last week to students who had earned a sufficient number of points.
“(Students) earn (bids) through a point system where points are given based on involvement with performance on stage and involvement backstage,” Woodruff said.
He said 45 points are required to receive a bid.
Pike said she had participated in public relations for the theater department, performed in last year’s production of “Everyman”, and had assisted behind the scenes with makeup, costumes, sets and scenery. She has also participated in Broadway at Baker, a summer camp for theater students.
Pike said she enjoyed initiation week, where students must perform certain tasks to insure initiation.
“Sunday we met and pledged, and everybody got boards,” Pike said.
Pike said each initiate must get all members to sign the boards before initiation.
“Usually, (the members) have to quiz us before they sign the boards,” Pike said. “It’s kind of interesting and fun, and they make it easy for you.”
Initiates must also learn 12 lines of a Shakespeare monologue, national officers and the Greek alphabet.
Alpha Psi Omega new member educator sophomore Sam Harpole said she worked to educate the initiates throughout the week on how society works.
“I serve as a go-to if they have questions and work to bring them into the group to make them feel more comfortable,” Harpole said.
Harpole, who joined Alpha Psi Omega last year, said initiation week worked like an audition for those receiving bids.
Pike said she looks forward to participating in the society.
“I’m looking forward to being more involved,” Pike said. “I can never be too involved because I love theater. It’s one of the joys of my life.”