The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-21
Dr. Strodeand The BIQckfriars'

All of Birmingham is delighted that ''The Blackfriars" from the University of Alabama will again be visitors here next Monday evening when this excellent dramatic organization wiil present that charming comedy "MBs. Bumpstead- Leigh"
 The Blackfriarsp come this sea- son to entertain with their, delightful art, the proceeds of which will be for the benefit of the Church of the Advent organ fund, and that a fash ionabla audience will greet the clever players is already assured be- cause of the popularity of The BlaclSfriars" as well as for the splen- did beneficiary.
 Dr. Hudson Strode's name is sy- anonymous with the Blackfriars'' and their success, because 1t is through him that this splendid organization has become one of the leading dra- matic institutions of Alabama and to his ability and unselfish interest in the training and the "coachng" of the players is due the credit which is accorded them wherever they play.
 In speaking of the organization and the promotion of dramatic art under the caption of The Blackfriars" Dr. Strode says among other things:
 T am so often asked by students what is most necessary in order to become an actor or an author. The first answer is always; The ability to act Now that ability is a strange thing-a gift of Fortune which if if is not given to one at birth it will never come. No amount of study and instruction can ever teach a person to act who does not posses the innate indorsement.
 Belasco says that he has to resort to types because genuine actors are so rare. Each year 1 run across some three or four students who have that unmistakable natural talent to a re- markable degree while there are dozens who act themselves most charmingly on the stage and make ad- mirable impressions if carefully cast
 T have bec1s especially pleased with the interest which has been taken in this new department by prominent people over the state. At each place the Blackfriars. played on the recent road trip we were urged to present our own plays in their towns. The students themselves are all en- thusiastic and work like Trojans.
 We have now passed the beginning which has been splendid one and we look for great success in the fu- ture," said Dr. Strode. Another col 1ege course which is used to develop dramatic activities at the university is my course in acting, known as the Public Speaking. This class meets each week, and many of the fore most comedies and dramas by the leading playwrights are presented. This class is limited to the outstand- ing dramatic talent in college and af- lords an excellent opportunity to the poung actors and actresses for close personal instruction In art. Regular college credit Is given for the course. and 1t Is exceedingly popular among the students. While this class is composed largely of Blackfriars, 1t is not entirely so.
 The Blackfriars number some 60 people. selected at the annual try-out held in the fall. These 'try-outs' are held in Morgan hall and are always well attended, thus giving the can didates the advantage of large au- dience for their trials. Those can didates who are selected by this ex- animation constitute the personnel of the club. Monthly meetings are held, at which one-act play, or perhaps an act from a three-act