Get cultured with these arts-related clubs
Midterms got you burnt out? Work-life balance tipping more to the former end? Check out some of these clubs for some social enrichment and cultural edification.
The Rice Players
The Rice Players is an all-student theatre troupe, established in 1921 as the Rice Dramatic Society and reborn in 1951 under their current name. They put on a show about once a semester, and they host Play in A Day on the first weekend of each semester where participants are tasked with producing an entire play over the course of a single weekend. Head to Hamman Hall to catch one of their shows — free of charge — or look out for their Play in a Day announcements at the beginning of the semester.
Rice RAW Photography
Also called Rice RAW, this club is dedicated to bringing together photographers of all skill levels. They organize workshops and photoshoots on campus so that members can develop their skills and reach the next level.
BASYK
BASYK Dance Club is a hip-hop dance club specializing in K-pop choreography. BASYK has performed at several Rice events, including the Chinese Student Association Lunar New Year Gala and their annual showcase CYPHER. BASYK hosts weekly practices, where dancers of all skill and experience levels are welcome to join.
Mariachi Luna Llena
Mariachi Luna Llena is a student-run mariachi band at Rice. They’ve been playing for over a decade and have performed at venues as impressive as the Houston Rodeo and Minute Maid Park for the Houston Astros. Attend one of their many performances and listen in, or join the band to make some music yourself and earn some extra cash on the side.
Rice Cinema Club
Rice Cinema Club is a low-commitment club centered around film appreciation. They regularly host movie showings and are dedicated to showcasing films of diverse styles, perspectives and techniques. Visit a showing for a movie that catches your eye and discuss the cinematography with fellow film nerds.
More from The Rice Thresher
Amy Hobby: from Rice to Oscar nominee
Before its permanent closure in 2021, the Rice Media Center was home to film students at Rice. One particular alumna, Academy Award-nominated producer Amy Hobby ’87, has been one of the most notable people to come out of Rice’s film department, having worked alongside Tim Burton, David Lynch and Steven Soderbergh throughout her three-decade career.
Gift ideas to save you this season
If you’ve got a white elephant coming up that you’re scratching your head over or a Secret Santa that you can’t seem to crack, consider one of the six options below to perish your present woes.
Review: “Gladiator 2” is fine
Around the beginning of the semester, I found myself writing about legacy sequels, so it feels fitting, and somewhat indicative of Hollywood’s stagnation, to end the semester doing the same. “Gladiator II” is a direct continuation of the Best Picture award-winning “Gladiator”, with director Ridley Scott returning to his acclaimed film with an almost entirely new cast of characters.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.