By Cooper Fojas
The Kreativity Diversity Troupe, a student performing group at the University of Maryland, held their end-of-semester showcase at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Thursday night.
“What Falls from the Tree,” which took place in the Cafritz Foundation Theatre, included everything from sketch comedy to dance numbers.
“Seeing everyone’s hard work paying off — it’s always special,” said Julia Feller, a sophomore elementary education major and member of Kreativity. “We love watching each other put our talent on display.”
The performance featured a variety of pieces, including spoken word poetry, song, dance and sketches, both live and recorded.
The recorded comedy sketch depicted four people trapped in a room, each with a crazy story about someone from a past romantic relationship, only to figure out they are all talking about the same person.
“We’re just a bunch of creative people who are able to create stuff,” said sophomore theater major Elizabeth Enworom, who played the mystery ex. “There’s no such thing as a bad idea when we’re working.”
Several performers gave recognition to the production side of the event. Light changes and music contributed to the atmosphere, with one sketch featuring a red spotlight and a somber piano melody to represent the characters’ confrontations with their negative memories.
In the audience, senior journalism and theater major Gab Ryan said she would definitely recommend Kreativity to others.
“You really sense their vulnerability and connection with themselves and each other,” said Ryan. “They challenge you, but resonate with you at the same time.”
Through performing arts, Kreativity’s goal is to provide a platform to the “array of voices” that exist around campus, according to the group’s website.
The troupe holds auditions at the beginning of each semester and encourages UMD students across the campus community to join. The end-of-semester performances are Kreativity’s headline events, but the troupe also occasionally hosts open mic sessions for students to express and/or experiment with their creative ideas.
Senior theater major Bria Jones said she wants people to see Kreativity as a group with diverse talents and open arms.
“We’re so much more than just an acting group,” said Jones. “It’s about giving everybody a chance to create something they’re passionate towards.”
Feller, who acted and danced during the 90-minute show, said Kreativity has given her an uplifting circle of supporters.
“This really is like a mini family for us,” said Feller. “We’re doing something we enjoy, and we get to enjoy it together.”
Featured Image: Kreavity members takes their final bows during their end-of-semester performance on Nov. 30, 2023 in The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Photo by Cooper Fojas.