Auburn University Players (AU Players) is a student-run club that immerses its members into the world of theatre, whether they’re majoring in it or not. Students are able to join at any point of the year with just an annual fee of $15.
AU Players has two main goals as an organization, with the first being that they work with Auburn University’s Department of Theatre and Dance to provide its members opportunities to participate in theatre productions.
Abigail Bowling is a senior majoring in theatre and currently serves as the president of the AU Players.
“[AU Players] will support shows and [AU Players will] send out [requests] to our membership to come work [technical theatre] crew for any kind of shows or events that they’re doing,” Bowling said.
The second goal of AU Players is to serve as a low-stakes environment for students to socialize and genuinely enjoy the art of theatre.
“[AU Players is] not like a high school theatre club that’s trying to put on a production or anything like that, where you have all these deadlines and stressors. . . . It’s meant to be a place to chill with all your buddies who are enjoying the theater experience,” said Wil Eplett, AU Players’ vice president and junior in musical theatre.
AU Players will also often host its own events outside of the Department of Theatre and Dance.
“My favorite thing is Friday Forums, which are once a month. [AU Players will] meet together and sign up to do a little talent show where you can perform anything with your friends that you’ve been working on,” said Sophia DiJulio, sophomore in English and member of AU Players.
Friday Forum participation is not required, so non-participating members can also simply watch the performances without worrying about crafting their own.
Some events hosted by AU Players are not related to theatre and are just meant to be fun ways for members to hang out with friends, with some examples including trivia nights, field days and even pickleball tournaments.
Big-little reveals are also held yearly in the fall. During these, new members called "littles" are given gifts by their own secret older member called a "big," who then helps them integrate into the organization.
Overall, AU Players is a fun and easy way to get involved for any student who is interested in theatre.
“[AU Players is] just a great way to find a community on campus with other people who love theatre, and I’ve made a lot of really good friends as a part of AU Players,” said Lindsey Beam, public relations officer of the AU Players and sophomore in theatre.
Whether students want a way to participate in productions, show off their love for theatre or just meet new friends, AU Players is an organization with lots of opportunities.
New AU Players members are always welcome. The organization can be contacted through its Instagram @au_players or by e-mailing auplayers1919@gmail.com.
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Amelia Gatzke, freshman majoring in psychology, is from Huntsville, Alabama. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since the fall of 2025.
