Despite LSU already having several award shows dedicated to LSU student theater, up until recently, we didn’t have a space to celebrate the musical performances within these productions. Formed this year by the Performing Artist’s Union, “Curtain Call” was created to shed light on school plays featuring performances of music and dance. I had the privilege of attending this event and was able to interview Teiron Motley, a talented musician and actor, and the president of the Performing Artist’s Union.
He expressed that this event was born due to a lack of spaces intended to celebrate individuals, rather than whole productions.
“I wanted to create a space for music and dance productions,” said Motley. “I thought our singers and dancers needed the opportunity to receive the recognition they deserved.”
Touching on the previously existing award shows at LSU, Motley explained he believes, “there’s always space to be made to celebrate all kinds of workers in all types of different disciplines.”
“I think we have so many different kinds of categories and art and sectors where everyone deserves to be awarded, on and off stage,” said Motley.
We also discussed the difficulties faced in creating this event, whether it was figuring out logistical or technical difficulties, spreading the word, or organizing details.
“It’s hard being supported as a student organization because you’re left on your own to figure it all out, and there are so many elements and aspects that go with it, that you’re just trying to figure it out along the way,” Motley said.
His gratitude for the organization and those involved was mentioned countless times, discussing how even the slightest bit of support can do wonders, especially while trying to promote a new event like Curtain Call.
When asked about Curtain Call’s future, Motley explained that he believes in the event’s potential to expand outside of the LSU Theatre Community and become a campus-wide celebration for all artists and performers, no matter their major. He mentions LSU’s lack of spaces dedicated to creating opportunities for black artists and the need for more opportunities specifically for black artists to receive the recognition they deserve.
“As a black president of a niche organization like this, everything seems like a fight,” Motley clarified, “I want to break down those walls and create a space for everyone, especially in theater where black performers are really only seen and cast as one thing.”
Curtain Call will take place again next year in 2025, and will hopefully continue on after the creators of the event graduate. The talent and dedication showcased in this space was unmatched, and Motley said that it’ll only continue to grow “even bigger and better.” I plan on attending every year that I’m able to do so, and for those questioning whether or not they should do the same, consider that you could be a witness to the beginning of someone’s career, and with tickets being free, there truly is no reason to not show up.
