Sock and Buskin (Brown University)
Sock and Buskin is the faculty-student board that selects and produces theatrical productions at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1901 by Thomas Crosby, a professor in the university's English department, it has maintained an unbroken string of performance seasons since being established. Founded as an all-male organization, Sock and Buskin became a co-educational group in 1927 when it merged with an all-female theatre troupe from nearby Pembroke College. Sock and Buskin performances are currently held in the Catherine Bryan Dill Center for the Performing Arts.
Each year, Sock and Buskin chooses four plays or musicals to be produced during the following academic year. Find out more about sock and buskin at www.sockandbuskin.org
Current Season
The 2018-2019 Sock&Buskin Season:
Bulrusher, by Eisa Davis directed by Sarah dAngelo
Next to Normal, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt directed by Addie Gorlin
Back of the Throat, by Yussef El Guindi directed by Ahmed Ashour
Hedda Gabler, by Henrik Ibsen directed by Spencer Golub
Sonic Life of a Giant Tortoise, by Toshiki Okada and translated by Aya Ogawa directed by Kym Moore
What the Board Does
The student board meets twice a week during the academic year. In addition to conducting production business, the board discusses 1-3 plays each week that have been assigned by the literary chair. Discussions are open to the public. Discussion notes for each play, as well as a running list of all works read, are posted on the s&b webpage: www.sockandbuskin.org.
Twice a month, the faculty join the students for a full board 'pitch meeting.' At these meetings, smaller groups of students pitch the plays they are most interested in pursuing further. Faculty members who are potential directors for the following season also pitch plays that they are particularly interested. A list of 'pitched plays' can be found online as well. Usually 2-3 pitches happen during one meeting, for a total of 4-6 pitches every month.
Toward the end of the year, the entire board convenes in an all-day meeting to narrow down the list of pitched plays to a finalized season of four plays/musicals.
Two board members serve as Executive Producers of each mainstage show — supporting the production in a variety of ways. In addition, each board member has an office and a specific set of duties.
Current Members
2018-2019 Board Members
Shade Au ‘19 | Chair
Jenna Chapman ‘19
Will Conard ‘19
Leyla DeMolina ’19 | Literary Chair
Erin Malimban ‘19
Xavier Markey-Smith ‘19 | Literary Chair
Maria Shevchenko-Masnyj ’20
Charlie Stewart ‘20
Siena Rafter ’20
Sam Blustein ’21
Karya Sezener ’21