Several clubs and organizations at MU can help students who are artistically-inclined stay involved with their crafts of choice.
For singers, there are various student-led groups to help MU students find their voice. Canticum Novum is geared at providing undergraduate students with an opportunity to “participate in a small chamber ensemble,” with particularly challenging work. Those interested in a cappella performances can consider Mizzou Forte, a co-ed group, or the MU Naturelles, an all-female group.
There are also several organizations available for those who enjoy dance, no matter what kind they prefer. The Mizzou Swing Society, MU Argentine Tango Club and Mizzou Ballroom Dance Club all offer lessons throughout the week and an opportunity to learn a new dance style. For a unique twist on a gym class favorite, look no further than the Mizzou Hoop Group, where students can incorporate dancing with hula hoops. Those interested in teaching dance can look into Center Stage, where student volunteers teach free dance classes to students from kindergarten to fifth grade.
Creative writers on campus can join MU Writers, which aims to “connect and network fellow writing enthusiasts, no matter what their skill level.” The organization focuses on prose fiction. For a taste of poetry and spoken word, there’s Indie POETS. Indie POETS is, according to a 2018 MOVE interview, “a collection of writers, poets, performers and anyone that does anything with the written word.”
Aspiring comedians can check out Battlewhale and MU Improv. Battlewhale, a student-led sketch comedy group, prepares for shows and hosts performances throughout the semester. MU Improv is a long-form improvisational comedy team that invites students to learn improvisation and perform at weekly shows.
Thespians can join Mizzou Off-Broadway. The organization specifically targets students who “love theatre but also have busy schedules that don’t mesh with a strict rehearsal schedule.” The group has a philanthropic angle as well: it hosts an annual musical revue to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia.
Visual artists have several clubs that cater to them as well. The Fiber Arts Club studies new projects with weaving, felting, paper making, basket weaving and dying fabrics. The Clay Klub is connected to to the MU Ceramics Department and helps enhance knowledge of ceramic arts.
More information about each organization can be found on their MU Engage pages.
_Edited by Caroline Fellows | cfellows@themaneater.com_