Hi everybody! My name is Kyle Stafford and I'm a junior studying Theatre Management within The Theatre School at DePaul University. In addition to being a student, I’m one of the founding members of Musical Theatre Players—a brand-new, student-run musical theatre company housed within DePaul’s Theatre School.
Our Theatre School is in the process of defining the 21st Century conservatory: imagining what the “conservatory for the future” practices, values, and produces. Part of this highlights the redefinition of TTS’ relationship to producing and fostering more student-centered work. MTPlayers hopes to be part of this process: establishing itself as a long-term producing body for the school.
However, this means building a company from scratch… including the budget. That’s why we’re asking for your support. We’re looking to raise $5,000 to produce 2 more musicals in our debut season.
Your donation will help us cover:
1. Performance rights and licensing fees
2. Sets, props, costumes, and makeup
3. Marketing to build our audience and community
4. Making tickets affordable and accessible to all students
Musical Theatre Players may be new, but the impact it’s already having on students is powerful. Our inaugural performance at TTS’ Wrights of Spring Festival brought in over 50 students as audience members, performers, and more. We're currently in rehearsals for our first mainstage performance opportunity: Richard O'Brien's THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, which involves a cast of 13, a creative team of 5, and design team of 8. We can only imagine what can happen from here!
From students within The Theatre School, to DePaul’s School of Music, and beyond: Musical Theatre Players fosters a creative spirit for musical-centric creators within the Theatre School.
This company offers students the opportunity to put what they’re learning in the classroom into action, while allowing development in other fields. Whether an Acting major is directing for the first time, a Dramaturgy/Criticism major is learning to stage manage, or a Projection Design student is performing – Musical Theatre Players opens the door for music-centric creators to immerse themselves into the world of musical theatre. This even extends outside of The Theatre School by giving non-Theatre School students the ability to use its resources for performances: a first-of-its-kind platform.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Musical Theatre Players and our plans for the future. Starting something from the ground up takes passion, persistence, and support—and your contribution makes all the difference. With your help, we’re creating a space where students can grow, take creative risks, and bring something special to life on stage. Whether you’re able to give or simply help spread the word, we’re incredibly grateful to have you as part of our journey.
