Things at Woods That Just Make Sense
Whether you are a music industry major, a theater kid, or a new student that got lost looking for the MUPD office, then you must know about Woods Theatre. This beloved building is home to countless events, and is always bustling with students that have a passion for music. Simply put, whether big or small, there is always something happening at Woods. That being said, here are 10 things at Woods Theatre that just make sense.
The picnic tables (specifically in the months of September and April)
Photography by @hazemediakits.
You’re not really back at school for the fall semester until you arrive at Woods and sit at one of those picnic tables for a good twenty minutes. Whether it means catching up with some fellow music majors or finishing up that homework assignment you’ve been dreading, sometimes that outside time is all you need to put a smile on your face.
The water cooler that surpasses every other source of water on the Monmouth campus
Let’s talk about it. This water. THIS. WATER. Skip the water fountain, I promise you that trek up the stairs to that little hallway is worth it! Feeling parched after choir class? Need a quick pick-me-up before the Blue Hawk meeting starts (Wednesdays at 3:00 pm, shameless plug)? A sip of that water is sometimes all you need.
The dance room mirror is the answer to getting that perfect mirror selfie
Were you really at the Blue Hawk Records meeting if you didn’t take a photo while you were there? The dance room mirrors are the best for a little solo shot to spice up your Instagram story, or if you are getting a group photo at the choir concert. Be the Alix Earle of Woods Theatre and start snapping away!
Professor Rapolla’s office has the best vibes
After a hard day's work, sometimes all you need is to just sit down. With Professor Rapolla, in that incredibly, aesthetically pleasing office of his. It’s always a treat to walk by and see him with the door open. The room is covered in BHR drip (as he should), and that one chair is so cozy you could just stay forever. He gets it.
The voms — shout out to the theater kids!
The theater kids are coming out for this one — the voms are where it's at! For those who don’t know, the voms are below the seats in the theater, and are used extensively during the plays/musicals so the actors can magically appear where they need to be. It simultaneously acts as Woods Theatre’s miscellaneous drawer. You’re looking for that fake dog prop from Pippin? You need some sound equipment? The voms have it all.
The dressing room that you can never spend too much time in
Another win for the theater kids — the dressing room might be one of the coolest parts about Woods Theatre. It’s come a long way from being just an ordinary horse stable!
The Woods’ Ghost appearances — It’s not often, but he’s there.
We might never know if it's ‘the stable boy’ or Lauren K. Woods himself, but what we do know is that our ghost loves to randomly shut doors. And open them. And make shuffling noises. He’s harmless though, as long as you keep streaming Blue Hawk Records’ Chapter XXIII, he won’t come near you!
The parking lot and all the hot goss that gets told
I have a confession. I am a yapper. Best believe that when class is over at 4:10, I’ll say my goodbyes, but won’t actually get to my car until 4:45. Debriefing is good for the soul, and most of us music majors tend to find ourselves doing so in the parking lot. Right when you think the conversation is over, somebody brings up a new topic and everyone is reeled back in again. No, I don’t think I got a good grade on that test. That top she was wearing was so cute. You’re going to Jammin’? Good, me too. Life’s short, yap away!
The green room — Need I say more?
As previously stated, I’m a yapper. So yes, I do need to say more.
dramatic pause.
The green room. Oh, the green room. Where do I begin? If there is one thing that makes sense at Woods, it is the green room. I could never quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s how comfortable the leather couch is. Maybe it’s the piano. Maybe it’s the proximity to the practice rooms. But whatever it may be, the vibes are immaculate, and are exactly what every student needs.
While it is frequently used for private lessons, most of the time it’s used by students to do homework, to have some peace and quiet, or to chit-chat. You might find yourself in the green room with a friend or two while you study for the Business of Music midterm. You might find yourself in the green room with 10 other people just to laugh together before choir class begins. You can never, I mean never have too much green room time.
Shout out to The Music Alliance’s President Jill Bernstein, who used to keep a blanket under the couch.
Bruce Springsteen
Last but not least, Bruce Springsteen. I know, I know, Bruce Springsteen is not a thing and he obviously isn’t at Woods consistently. But who am I to not name drop this legend? Thank you Mr. Springsteen, we can still feel your presence, and we are so happy that Woods Theatre could be shared with you.
Written by Sam Jordan.