SUNY Oswego home page

Student Organizations

Blackfriars

logo of the student organization of Black Friars

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 ConstitutionEmail Blackfriars

Blackfriars' Mission:

The 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. 

Students of the Theatre Executive Council sitting in a group smiling at the camera

2022-23 Executive Council

  • President: Ian Katz

  • Vice President: Kat Larrabee

  • Treasurer: Joey Cambareri

  • Secretary: J. Donnelly 

  • Faculty Advisor: Judy Wyman Collette

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 Listserv

Blackfriars Events 

Blackfriars is responsible for a number of events and activities throughout the year. These include:

24 Hour Play Festival

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!

Students performing with scripts in hand
Holiday Cabaret

A classic holiday tradition filled with songs, skits, games, cookie baking contests, and more!

Two singers performing in front of holiday decortations
Blackfriars' Drag Competition

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.

a drag show is being performed on a t-shaped stage with three performers
Fall Tea

An opportunity for new students to mingle with returning students and faculty. All are welcome! Light refreshments are served.

guests and students alike at a backstage tea party chatting and having fun
Blackfriars' Picnic

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!

Students outside sitting on the grass
Miscast Cabaret

Performers Wanted!

A cabaret that does not conform to the gender norm! Singers perform pieces that are typically for the “opposite” gender.

Two actors; actress on the left, her face is delighted and her hand being held by an actor who is kneeling on the right staring up at the actress
Various Workshops

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
people from theatre workshops sitting in the dressing room, trying on makeup

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 61st year.

Alpha Psi Omega Logo

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.  

Alpha Psi Omega National