Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
We inform. You decide.
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Are you trying to get involved with arts on campus, but not sure where to start? Or, do you have a passion for theatre, dance, or music but are nervous about auditioning? Here’s your guide to performing and fine art groups on campus that don’t require try-outs, just a passion and excitement for the arts!

Theatre Strike Force

Theatre Strike Force is UF’s Premier Improvisation and Sketch Comedy Troupe, and the largest collegiate improv troupe in the country. While there are components and teams that require an audition, the club meets every Monday night from 7 p.m. — 9 p.m. in the Reitz for free, fun improv classes from levels one through four! Sami Main, the president of Theatre Strike Force, encourages everyone to participate, even if they’ve never done improv or theatre before.

“Absolutely anyone is welcome to join,” she said, “Improv is all about acceptance and support, and so we try to extend those qualities to our clubs members.”

Shakespeare in the Park

“Shakespeare in the Park is a great way to get involved for students of all majors,” explains Rylee Ennis, co-director of this year’s Hamlet. “We’ve had pre-med majors and grad students who still have time to lead in our plays, because of the light rehearsal schedule. If you want to get involved, check out UF Shakespeare in the Park on Facebook!”

The group aims to make the works of William Shakespeare accessible to students, faculty, and the community. Even though the group holds auditions, there is plenty of opportunity to work on the set, makeup, and costume if you are looking to get involved but remain stress-free! The group has one to two weekly rehearsals, and four free outdoor performances in the Plaza of the Americas in the spring.

Florida Swing Dancing Club

The Florida Swing Dancing Club promotes swing dancing in Gainesville for students of all levels! They hold dances every Friday from 8 p.m. — 12 a.m., including beginner lessons. Other dances, trips and events revolving around swing dancing take place intermittently. Here is their schedule: they invite members of all levels, without an audition.

Mondays: Swing hangout 8 p.m. — 11 p.m. at the Reitz Union Colonnade

Intermediate Lesson: 8 p.m. — 9 p.m.

Beginner Lesson: 9 p.m. — 10 p.m.

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox

Practice session: 10 p.m. — 11 p.m.

Fridays: Beginner lesson from 8 p.m. — 9 p.m. at Unified Training Center

Social Dancing from 9 p.m. — 12 a.m.

Dancin’ Gators

Dancin' Gators is the only variety dance group on campus that does not hold auditions. They accept both male and female participants, from the most experienced to those who have never danced before. Dancin’ Gators also offers a variety of dance styles. C

ristina King, a current UF sophomore said, “I love Dancin’ Gators because the classes are taught by other fellow students who love to dance.”

She also shared her love for the club because there is “no pressure or stress,” and it’s an “opportunity to try different dance styles at all level.” They offer classes from the classics like jazz, ballet and tap, to the popular styles of hip-hop, salsa and step. They also offer styles such as Irish, Indian, and Broadway.

Check out dancingators.weebly.com for more information.

Gator Salsa Club

Gator Salsa is established for the purpose of developing and improving individual skills in the various forms of Latin dancing including but not limited to: salsa, bachata, mergengue and cha-cha-cha. They encourage participation of all levels, from beginner to salsa-lover! They offer free salsa classes on Tuesdays — Thursdays every week at the Reitz Colonnade. They specialize in teaching On2 and Casino style salsa. Their weekly schedule:

Casino salsa Tuesdays from 6 p.m. — 8 p.m. and Thursdays from 7 p.m. — 8 p.m.

On2 salsa Wednesdays from 6 p.m. — 8 p.m. and Thursdays from 6 p.m. — 7 p.m.

Creating Reality-Altering Art Through Expression (CREATE)

Is performing not your forte? Come out to CREATE! They meet every other week from 7:30 p.m. — 9 p.m. Each meeting, a new creative activity is introduced and explored. Past activities include: acrylic painting, watercolor, sculpting, tie-dying, origami, henna, clay creations, dance, yoga, meditation, musical expression, and creative writing. During meetings, students are free to self-express however they would prefer. Suggestions, examples, and techniques are often presented, but application is by member choice. Club meetings are designed to reduce stress and anxiety associated with academic life.

VOX Graphis

Are you more of the design type? VOXGraphis provides an opportunity for students to excel beyond the regular Graphic Design curriculum. It aids members with a supportive environment where each individual artistic voice to be heard, by peers, administrators, related student groups, and the greater design community, no matter the level of design experience! Weekly meetings feature design related workshops, internet calls with standing designers and alumni, and tutorials.

All of the above groups can be found on Facebook, or the UF Student and Activities Involvement page.

Support your local paper
Donate Today
The Independent Florida Alligator has been independent of the university since 1971, your donation today could help #SaveStudentNewsrooms. Please consider giving today.

Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Independent Florida Alligator and Campus Communications, Inc.