*On this date in 1911, "The Howard Players” began. They are the on-campus theatrical organization at Howard University.
Historically, their groundwork began years before that by Coralie Franklin Cook, who taught elocution at Howard in the 1890s. Such began the intensive study of public speaking and being a voice for the performing arts in 1907. As an art form at the University, it was not made compulsory until 1911.
Ernest Everett had just come to the university in 1909 as an English instructor and, together with several students, organized the first drama group, the College Dramatic Club. This club performed annually at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., for several years. In 1919, courses in Dramatic Art were offered for academic credit for the first time, and the College Dramatic Club became known as the Howard Players by 1925. The practical work of acting, character portrayal, technical work for the stage, costume making, and production management became the course offerings in Dramatic Art.
By the 1960s, The Howard University Players were recognized as the' Howard Players', which they still are today. These Players began to attribute Ernest Everett Just, Anne Cooke Reid, and Owen Dodson as the three founders of their beloved organization.
