Alpha Psi Omega / Delta Psi Omega chapters thrive when they regularly bring students together around theatre, service, and community. The following ideas are meant to help chapters plan engaging events that are inexpensive, student-driven, and easy to organize.
These suggestions are only a starting point. Chapters are encouraged to adapt them to their campus culture and theatre program.
Open Rehearsal or “Behind the Scenes” Night
Invite theatre students and interested newcomers to attend an open rehearsal, design presentation, or technical demonstration. Follow the event with a brief social gathering where officers explain what APO/DPO is and how students can become involved.
Theatre Game Night
Host a casual evening of improv games, acting exercises, and theatre warm-ups. These are especially effective early in the semester and require little preparation beyond space and a few facilitators.
Backstage Tour
Offer a guided tour of your theatre facilities. Show new students the stage, lighting booth, costume shop, scene shop, and rehearsal spaces. This works particularly well during the first weeks of the semester when many students are still exploring campus organizations.
Theatre Trivia Night
Host a trivia competition focused on theatre history, Broadway, film adaptations, or famous playwrights. Offer small prizes or bragging rights for the winning team.
Cast and Crew Social
At the beginning of the semester, host a casual gathering for students involved in productions. Simple snacks, theatre games, or karaoke can help build connections between actors, designers, and technicians.
Movie or Musical Watch Party
Choose a film adaptation of a play or musical and host a viewing night. Encourage discussion afterward about the adaptation, performances, or design elements.
Tech Workshop Night
Invite experienced students to teach basic theatre skills such as stage makeup, lighting basics, scenic painting, or costume repair. This builds skills and encourages collaboration.
Script Reading Circle
Select a short play or new work and organize a group reading. These events are great for students interested in directing, playwriting, or dramaturgy.
Candlelit Reading of a Seasonal Play
Host a candlelit reading of a spooky play in October or a holiday play in December. Keep staging simple—actors seated with scripts, soft lighting, and candles or LED candles to create atmosphere. These readings can be intimate, memorable events that require minimal production resources.
24-Hour Theatre Festival
Teams of students write, rehearse, and perform short plays within a single day. Charge a small admission fee for the final performance. These events are exciting for audiences and showcase student creativity.
Cabaret or Variety Night
Invite students to perform songs, monologues, comedy, or short scenes. Sell inexpensive tickets or accept donations at the door.
Mystery Play Reading
Host a staged reading of a comedic mystery play where the audience tries to guess the ending. You can charge a small ticket fee and keep the production simple with minimal staging.
Theatre Raffle or Silent Auction
Collect donated items from theatre faculty, local businesses, or alumni (tickets, merchandise, gift cards). Display them at a department event or performance and allow students and audience members to bid.
Parent’s Night Out
Partner with the theatre department or a campus space to host a supervised evening of theatre games, storytelling, crafts, and simple performances for children while parents enjoy a few hours off. Charge a modest registration fee per child. This is often a popular and reliable fundraiser in campus communities.
Low-Cost Event Tips
Keep events simple and student-led whenever possible.
Partner with your theatre department or other campus organizations to share resources and space.
Promote events through social media, theatre classes, and production announcements.
Use events as an opportunity to introduce students to the mission and values of Alpha Psi Omega / Delta Psi Omega.
Strong chapters create opportunities for theatre students to gather, collaborate, and celebrate the art form. Even small events can have a meaningful impact on your chapter’s visibility and community.