Alpha Psi Omega originated in the early twentieth century when interest in the dramatic arts grew on college campuses across the country. In 1921, at Fairmount State College in Fairmont, West Virginia, a college was started and they hired a faculty director in 1923 before forming the Masquers. The Masquers had the job of presenting a season of four to five productions a year for students and the general public. In 1924, they searched for a national organization to join, but since there was no known organization, they formed their own. On August 12, 1925, the first Alpha Psi Omega members were initiated and each chapter was called a “cast.” Fairmont College then became the Alpha Cast and the Marshall College in Huntington, West Virginia became the Beta Cast. A member from Huntington came up with the name “Playbill” for the national magazine which was promptly used.