What is CUPAL?
As an umbrella organization, the Columbia University Performing Arts League (CUPAL) will facilitate discussion between groups regarding the Columbia University arts community as a whole, encourage the sharing of resources between groups, and serve as an advisory board to any newly-formed performing arts groups or special projects.
We aim to unite diverse performing groups in open dialogue to advocate for common causes. Our collective endeavors aim to improve relationships with administraiton, increase collaboration and communication across campus, and develop new avenues for otherwise unsupported artists.
Save the Arts Initiative
Over the past two years, the CU Arts Initiative has lost a tremendous amount of support and funding. This initiative allows CUID holders to visit museums for free, see discounted shows, register events at the TIC and get tickets. Through Gatsby Grants, CU Arts helps fund fund student theater on campus – including CMTS productions. However, cuts in both support and funding have led to a decline in programming for the Arts Initiative.
We urge you to read and sign the petition to Save the Arts Initiative at www.savetheartsinitiative.org.
To learn more about CUPAL and the other student theatre organizations on campus, take a look at their website.
Barnard Theatre Department
While many students participate in CUPAL-affiliated productions each semester, Barnard and Columbia students are also welcome to pursue their theatre and performance interests with the Barnard College Department of Theatre. The Department offers the undergraduate major program for all Barnard and Columbia students, but auditions for shows and acting classes are open to all undergraduate students; classes in design, directing, dramaturgy, playwriting, and drama/theatre/performance studies are open to all students as well.
For more information about classes, productions, and other opportunities available through the Department, please visit their website.