Amidst the sea of mainstream media and Hollywood films, it’s difficult — and daunting — to have your voice heard in a world that favors household names. Yet here on the University of California, Riverside (UCR)’s campus, it’s possible. In fact, it’s encouraged. What was once known as “Model Minority” a decade ago is now known as the “Asian Americans of Riverside Theatre,” a club dedicated to sharing the voices of the underrepresented through theatrical and film arts. This is the perfect place for you to tell your story.
As a student-run nonprofit theater club, AART focuses on producing and performing shows written by writers who often originate from under-appreciated groups, with their latest winter project being “Wolf Play” by Hansol Jung. Tickets to their shows are free, and their goal is to shine light onto those who are often overlooked in the mainstream. Consider joining AART if you’re interested in the craft or want to help produce thought-provoking shows.
Despite the name, AART is open to all storytellers and theater lovers regardless of background. “It’s not meant to be exclusionary to anyone who’s not Asian American,” Ren Nguyen, second year theatre, film, and digital production (TFDP) major and co-president of the club explained. “We are accepting of everyone who’s willing to tell the stories that we want to tell.” As long as you’re passionate about storytelling, AART may just fit your vibe.
Both co-presidents stress that previous experience is not required, and that newcomers will be taught all the ins and outs of a true theater production. Nguyen emphasized that there are endless roles in a production and there’s always something for someone. “There’s a job for every kind of person,” he said. “If you’re good at math, you would be great for finances. Or if you’re super extroverted and want to just perform, then you can act for us.”
Prior to joining AART, both Nguyen and Emily Luong, fourth year psychology major and co-president, had little experience in theater, yet they soon developed a passion for the arts and found a warm and welcoming community that guided them along. As a former newcomer herself, Luong understood the intimidation of joining a theater club. “I think it’s the hesitancy of, ‘oh, this is a theater club so I have to act.’ It’s definitely not true,” she reassured.
“We have so many people on our board that are not interested in acting at all, but they have other skills that are very useful, like logistics,” Nguyen added. “We’re going to teach you. Just making it about truly loving the craft of art, rather than being so focused on doing it right.”
How production works in AART is they first select a script and then put out calls for crew and cast members that are publicized on their social media. After carefully choosing applicants and thorough rewatches of audition tapes, the finalized production team of around 20 people gets together and has a table read and uses the time to familiarize themselves with each other. Producing a show requires tremendous efforts of creativity and teamwork, characteristics that are evident in AART’s past works.
When asked about their favorite memories of AART, both co-presidents mentioned the community within the club. Nguyen reminisced about a crew-party after one of their shows in their first year, describing it as a pivotal moment in which he realized he truly found his people. “I just remember at the end of that party just feeling really content and knowing that I had found a sense of belonging at college,” they said.
Luong also talked about a field trip she went on with the club, in which they watched various shows, including a Harry Potter play. “We are again creating a community of artists that want to create, but also experience art together,” Luong explained, “and I think that’s what we strive to do.”
The AART co-presidents have high hopes and goals for this year. They would love more people to get involved with the club, as more people mean more voices and perspectives. This winter quarter, AART will perform “Wolf Play” for their opening night on Mar. 6 at 7 p.m. Additional performances will be held on Mar. 7 and Mar. 8, so there’s plenty of time to reserve tickets. Nguyen also mentioned for spring quarter, they are currently planning on releasing next year’s board applications as well as a field trip.
To those who are curious but still on the fence about joining, it may be helpful to remember that everyone was new at some point. Not all AART members joined as seasoned theater veterans, so take this as an opportunity to try and learn new things.
Because AART focuses on producing shows, they do not formally host meetings, but when they meet up, it’s often for rehearsals at Humanities 411. You can follow their Instagram (@aart.ucr) to stay updated on their schedule.
AART is not just an organization made up of theater lovers; it’s a welcoming community devoted to letting the voices of the underrepresented be heard. With thought-out visions and endless creativity, this is a place where anyone can do anything. As Nguyen summarizes perfectly, “We’re just truly trying to tell stories and involve people.”
