The Brown & White

Have you ever eaten mustard and cheese together? Doesn't sound too appetizing, right? Well, for the Mustard and Cheese Drama Society, eating those two condiments was how it all began.

The society was founded back in 1884 when Lehigh was still an all-boys school. Late one night, a handful of boys went to a local bar, and after some quality time together, they began eating the delicacy that would soon become the drama society's name.

Katherine Perry, '10, the club's president, said the name just stuck.

A unique feature of this club is that it is actually a special "society" that new members have to be inducted into.

"We function as a society," Perry said. "You are a part from the time you are inducted to the time you leave."

The society performs several shows a year, conducts play readings, and starting this year, the members will hold special workshops to help rising actors and actresses build their skills.

"It's a new thing this year that we're doing called the Peer Workshop Series. On scattered Fridays, we will have workshops led by current students," Perry said, "And they are free!"

Perry also said the society is always looking to accrue new members, and it's not limited to people who want to act. Designers and people who can run the technical side of productions are also welcome. Many positions are available for members, including the traditional executive board positions, a webmaster, publicity manager and membership coordinator.

"We are always looking for more interest, even if it's just to see the productions," Perry said.

She added that 2010 marks the 125th anniversary of the Mustard and Cheese Drama Society. Members are planning a big gala for alumni and undergraduate students to attend. There will be a panel discussion, dinner and dancing to celebrate one of the oldest clubs on campus.

The Mustard and Cheese Drama Society has several upcoming productions: "Seascape," opening Feb. 19, "Dead Man's Cell Phone," opening Mar. 19 and "Noises Off!," opening Apr. 9.

Anyone interested in membership should send questions and inquiries to inmac@lehigh.edu or visit the Mustard and Cheese Drama Society's web site at www.lehigh.edu/~inmac.