The Skull and Dagger Dramatic Society
May 7, 2019
We interviewed Skull & Dagger President, Eric Clark, and asked questions about the club and what they have achieved this year. The Skull & Dagger is the oldest club at SDSU and they produce 2-3 theatrical shows each semester. They provide students opportunities to act, direct, stage manage, and in general be part of the theatre.
What are your thoughts on Skull & Dagger’s work in the past year? What are you most proud of? What would you like to improve in the future?
ERIC CLARK: Skull & Dagger’s work this past year has been a privilege to have been a part of. From everybody on the board, to every person who has been a part our organization, I have been surrounded by incredible talent. I would say I am most proud of the passion I have seen from my peers. Nothing we accomplished this year would have been possible if we didn’t have an enormous group of dedicated artists who are really devoted to the work that they do. In the future, I would like to use the experience this year has given me to make our process of producing entirely student-created work smoother, and allow us to operate more efficiently.
How do you choose the plays for the year? What topics do you consider? And who makes the final decision?
ERIC CLARK: Earlier this semester we encouraged students who were interested in directing to submit a full-length play that they think we should produce. In this submission process we asked them to give us a run-down in the terms of characters, plot, setting, etc., and then asked them what their vision for the play is. This vision includes what the set, costumes, and lighting might look like, and any other takes they have on the script. We also ask each director why we should produce this play, and why now? I believe that theatre should not just be done for the sake of doing it, but rather it should always have a purpose. For centuries, theatre has acted on a commentary of the society at the time, and I think the theatre we produce should be no exception. We ask them to consider what message this play would give and why do people have to hear that message? We decide the plays for the next year by the play selection committee comprised of members of the 2018-2019 board and 2019-2020 board. This committee excludes members that have submitted plays for consideration to eliminate bias. The final decision is made by the committee, but is lead by the artistic director.
What do you think clubs like Skull & Dagger contribute to campus life and our department?
ERIC CLARK: I think clubs like Skull & Dagger provide an invaluable resource to students in the department and around campus. There are limited opportunities for undergraduate performance and design (as is the nature of theatre) but there are so many passionate students who are hungry for opportunities to act, direct, stage manage, design, and build theatre. This past year alone we provided 135 opportunities to undergraduate students who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to do what they love. And I think a wonderful thing about our club is that we aren’t just for theatre majors. We have had film, journalism, and biology majors who either wanted to try theatre or wanted to get back into it. We are open for anybody who is passionate about this art form and wants to practice it.
What shows the Skull & Dagger society is planning to produce in the upcoming year?
ERIC CLARK: The 2019-2020 season has yet to be selected, but we will be having a meeting soon with the potential directors and the student body to discuss what plays they will be submitting and why they believe their plays needs to be produced.
If you would like to get updates you can follow their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/skullanddaggertheatre/
