Theta Alpha Phi, 1924 - 1968

The Illinois Beta Chapter of Theta Alpha Phi was installed at IWU in 1923.

Theta Alpha Phi The Masquers, a dramatic organization of many years standing on the Illinois Wesleyan campus, has reached a goal toward which they have been working for four years. Some weeks ago a charter of Theta Alpha Phi was granted there and Saturday night the installation took place. Theta Alpha Phi is one of the largest and most active honorary dramatic fraternities in existence, claiming among its members many of our prominent actors. The fraternity at Wesleyan has been established with sixteen charter members, fourteen of whom are students, two being faculty members…The installation work was put on by Professor C. L. Menser, head of the department of speech at Knox College of Galesburg, assisted by four of his students. The initiation took place- in Miss Laughlin's studio at seven Saturday evening and was followed by a formal banquet at the LaFayette 'Inn. The guests of honor at the banquet were President and Mrs. Davidson, and Dean Arthur E. Westbrook. Theta Alpha Phi is a strictly honorary fraternity and the qualifications for membership are very high. There are three types of membership, Honorary, Alumni and Active. Several Masquers who have graduated from Wesleyan during the past four years and who while in school met the requirements for admission into Theta Alpha Phi will be initiated as alumni members by the local chapter in the near future. The purpose of Theta Alpha Phi is to foster an interest in wholesome dramatics and to provide the means of uniting socially students, alumni and instructors who have histrionic talents. There are fifty active chapters, many of which are in our largest state universities. The first chapter to be installed was at A. and M. College at Stillwater, Oklahoma. The only chapter in Illinois before the admittance of Wesleyan was the one at Knox College, Galesburg. The Grand President is Prof. C. E. Lyon of the University of South Dakota. The national publication is known as the Cue, the official badge is a small. gold and enameled mask set with -rubies. The national convention is held biennially. The organization of Theta Alpha Phi will in no way supplant the present dramatic club, The Masquers, but will merely be higher honor that may be conferred upon its members who have gained a higher. degree of accomplishment in the art of acting. Theta Alpha Phi will make its initial appearance on the campus with a play by Jerome K. Jeromes, "Passing of the Third Floor Back." The installation of this honorary fraternity marks a new era in the department of Dramatic Art of the College of Music; at Illinois Wesleyan University. The credit for building up the department of dramatic art to a point of efficiency which has attracted the attention of so distinguished a fraternity is due solely and 'wholly’ to Miss Anne P.J Laughlin, head of the department. Miss Laughlin came to the Illinois Wesleyan University only five years ago when the department of dramatic art was most inactive and she has through her tireless, intelligent and heroic efforts brought the department to prominence. -The Argus, 1/22/24, pg. 1 & 5.