History of APO

NATIONAL

Alpha Psi Omega, men's and women's national recognition society in dramatics, was organized August 12, 1925, at Fairmont State College by Dr. Paul F. Opp for the purpose of providing a reward for students distinguishing themselves in college dramatic productions. Students qualify for membership by faithful work in playing a certain number of major and minor roles in the play of the regular dramatic club of the college. Provision is also made for crediting other kind of dramatic work on the technical and business side of the play production as equivalent to major and minor roles. Membership has always been open to men and women on an equal basis. Nationally the society provides a wide fellowship for college students interested in promoting dramatic activities. The national magazine provides information on the problems of selecting and staging plays suitable for schools and colleges. Each chapter is called a cast, as the society is distinctly dramatic in its organization and ritual.

A number of chapters provide tuition scholarship for students who are majoring in speech and drama
Government -Between conventions government is vested in an executive council of three national officers called the Grand Cast.
Publications - The society publishes a national constitution, a national directory, a book of ceremonies, and songs, as well as the official magazine, Playbill.

Tradition and Insignia- The official badge is a monogram of the Greek-letter symbols of the society. The coat of arms is a crest or design representing the stage of a Greek theater. The colors are amber and slate blue, two colors much used in theatrical lighting effects. These colors are sometimes worn in lieu of a pledge button. The flower is the violet.

LOCAL

McNeese State University was given a full charter in 1950 and was called the Pi Gamma Cast of Alpha Psi Omega. The purpose of this, the Pi Gamma Cast of Alpha Psi Omega, is to stimulate interest in dramatic activities in McNeese State University, to secure for the college all the advantages and mutual helpfulness of a large national honorary fraternity, and by electing students to membership, serve as a reward for their efforts in participating in the plays staged by the college.