Alpha Psi Omega (APO)

Alpha Psi Omega LogoWhat is Alpha Psi Omega (APO)?

Alpha Psi Omega (APO) is a nationally recognized honor society recognizing participants in collegiate theatre.  The Alpha cast (Alpha Psi Omega's designation for "chapter") was founded at Fairmont State College (now Fairmont State University) on August 12, 1925 by professor Paul F. Opp. There are currently 977 casts nationwide.  Membership is open to active participants in   college theatre. Most casts (chapters) use a "point system" for determining eligibility of membership, with a certain number of points awarded for  certain tasks in theatre. With some casts there is a rush and pledge process, while other casts choose members based solely on merit.

What Does APO Do?

The UW-La Crosse Alpha Psi cast of APO strives to serve as a liaison between the department  faculty and students and to play an active role in supporting the department in its theatrical productions and other endeavors. Through fundraising efforts, we are also able to provide workshops covering a wide range of  topics including dance, improv, stage combat, performance, design, voice, and management.  These workshops serve to augment current skills taught by the department as well as to expose students to areas of theatre that they may not have otherwise had an opportunity to experience.  Our cast also strives to supports  students who participate in theatrical events such as the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF).  The Alpha Psi cast also helps organize and assist with special departmental events such as the Department of Theatre Arts’ Holiday Smackdown, student award ceremony, gala performances, Backstage Pass alumni events, and freshman welcome and spring barbeques.  

Why Should You Join?

In college, you have so many opportunities to get involved with campus wide organizations and you’re probably wondering why you should join APO.  Here are just a few of the benefits of being an APO member:  

  • Alpha Psi Omega Greek SymbolMembership in the nation’s largest theatre honors society
  • APO Honor cord to wear when you graduate
  • Invitation to APO member only events
  • Meet new people with similar interest in theatre
  • Financial assistance to attend workshops, theatrical productions, American College Theatre Festival, etc.
  • Excellent for your resume
  • Gain leadership skills
  • Participate in a variety of theatre-related workshops
  • Get to know the UW-L Theatre faculty and staff by participating in department events
  • Have fun!     

Membership Requirements

Membership requirements include:  

  • Currently enrolled as a UW-L student
  • Attendance at 70% of all APO meetings
  • Participation in APO committees (fundraising,  social, publicity)
  • Earn at least 12 points before induction (points are earned by volunteering at fundraisers, participating in a production, serving on a committee, etc.)
  • Earn at least 5 points each semester
  • Pay a one-time, lifetime membership fee  

APO Membership Point System

Tier 1 Activities—5 points for Season Productions/3 points for Studio Productions (unless otherwise noted)
•  Director*                      
•  Alpha Psi Omega Spring 2008 BarbequeStage Manager
•  Technical Director         
•  Scenic Designer
•  Lighting Designer             
•  Sound Designer
•  Costume Designer           
•  Props Manager
•  Dramaturgist                 
•  Choreographer
•  Lead Acting Role           
•  Scene/Costume Shop
•  Student Apportionment  
•  Student Senate  
*Directors earn 6 points for season productions and 4 points for studio productions.  

Tier 2 Activities—3 points for Season productions/2 points for Studio Productions
•  Asst. Director
•  Asst. Stage Manager
•  Asst. Technical Director
•  Asst. Scenic Designer
•  Asst. Lighting Designer  
•  Asst. Sound Designer
•  Asst. Costume Designer  
•  Asst. Props Manager
•  Asst. Dramaturgist
•  Asst. Choreographer
•  Supporting Acting Role  

Tier 3 Activities—2 points for Season Productions/1 point for Studio Productions
•  House Manager
•  Run Crew
•  Pit Orchestra
•  Ensemble/Chorus  

Student Lighting Designer in Toland TheatreSemester Occupations—5 points
•  Scene/Costume Shop
•  Dept. of Theatre Arts Publicity Assistant
•  Student Senate
•  Student Apportionment  

Participation in a one-act production is worth 1 point.  
Volunteering for an APO event/fundraiser is worth 1 point.  

For More Information

For more information, please contact any of the APO executives listed below:

            Ashley Lanphear, Present
            lanphear.ashl@students.uwlax.edu

            Maddy Major, Vice President
            major.made@students.uwlax.edu

            Katie Otten, Treasurer
            otten.kath@students.uwlax.edu

            Jolyn Sherman, Business Manager
            sherman.joly@students.uwlax.edu