Our Mission
Princeton University Players is an entirely student-run production company that engages theater-lovers and supports theater-makers on Princeton’s campus and beyond. We provide the opportunity for a wide range of Princeton University students to develop their talents and passions by producing works of established and original musical theater.
We believe that the highest quality product emerges from an enjoyable and enriching process within an open and welcoming community. We aim to foster a safe, creative environment by constantly striving to uplift the voices of artists of all identities and giving the well-being and personal safety of our artists the utmost priority.
PUP is committed to combatting discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity and/or expression, ability, nationality, socioeconomic class, and sexual orientation, in all of its practices and operations, including but not limited to: casting, audition processes, proposals processes, rehearsals, productions, board elections, and social gatherings.
At PUP, we work to consistently uphold our core values: creative expression, equity, inclusivity, accessibility, and friendship. We believe in valuing our artists as human beings first and performers second. We value cultivating joyful creative processes, uplifting artists of all experience levels, and fostering an encouraging community. We are students empowering other students in their artistic endeavors.
What We Do
PUP, founded in 1986, prides itself on being the only completely student-run musical theatre group on Princeton’s campus. From classic musicals to experimental new works, PUP produces a variety of productions each year—all proposed, produced, directed, designed, publicized, and performed entirely by students. We strive to create a welcoming community in which students with any level of theatrical experience can explore musical theatre. By partnering with groups such as the LGBT* Center, the Women*s Center, SHARE (Sexual Harassment/Assault Advising, Resources, and Education), and others on related projects, PUP also hopes to encourage inclusivity and understanding on a wider scale.
Each spring, students propose shows to be produced by PUP the following academic year. PUP’s Proposals Board reads the proposals and interviews the prospective directors before entering into deliberations and deciding the season. The members of the PUP Board then work with the student production teams to get each show from start to finish.
In addition to our mainstage productions, PUP produces a variety of special projects and events, including an annual benefit concert and an annual all-freshman revue.
If you are interested in becoming involved with PUP, please contact us at pup@princeton.edu or contact PUP President Layla Williams at lw3598@princeton.edu.
by Paige Allen ’21, (Past PUPresident)