University archives reveal a wealth of theatre and dance at Bucknell since the turn of the century. Photographs and programs chronicle plays performed by Frill and Frown (women) and Cap and Dagger (men) which were established as dramatic clubs in 1906. Likewise, dancers appear in May Day celebration photos and convocations featuring the seminal dance club, Orchesis. The recorded dates of plays produced by Cap and Dagger (combined with Frill and Frown in 1931) begins 1916-17 with Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. Archives include scene and costume design renderings by studio art faculty and Professor of English C. Willard Smith (director, designer, and actor) who nurtured theatre development as adviser to Cap and Dagger 1926-1970.
1931-1958 Cap and Dagger performances are staged at the Lewisburg High School, with rehearsals in Bucknell Hall, and scenery built in the Larison Hall basement.
The University Players combines various Bucknell groups – the Art Club, the Bucknell Band, Cap and Dagger, Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs, Orchesis, the Symphony Orchestra, Theta Alpha Phi –and produces its first musical The Pirates of Penzance in 1949 at the Lewisburg High School.