Harrison Ford

Al Jarreau

The Mask and Wig, 1917-1947

Born in the fall of 1917, Mask and Wig was “was founded on the purpose of studying and presenting the best in acting drama, classic and modern.” As an honors society for the Ripon Dramatics Club–then a part of the Department of Public Speaking–it soon gained a reputation among the students, as well as the Ripon community, for high standard productions. Productions were so successful that for many years, Mask and Wig increased their productions from two per school year (one each semester) to three or sometimes four per school year. The plays became Commencement ritual, as well as ritual for First Year Students, who usually produced one a year.

From its reputation and success, many new organizations came forth, thus fortifying the beginnings of what is today the Theater Department. In 1920, the Wisconsin Alpha Chapter of Theta Alpha Phi established itself at Ripon College, still going strong today. Also, many new classes on theater design and production came forth. The pinnacle of Mask and Wig came with the building of Little Theater, sharing production space with Memorial Auditorium, City Auditorium, and Armory Theater. Today, one can still experience the vague outline of the Little Theater in East Hall, although the Memorial Gymnasium and Armory Theater are no longer present.

Professor H.P. Boody

Also, among the many important figures in the development of Mask and Wig were other Professors of English. Prof. H.H. Allen (Ripon College 1921-1926), was responsible for the building of the several theater stages, such as Little Theater and the College Theater in the Old Chapel. Another prominent figure is Prof. James Clark Graham, Prof. of English and later College Dean of Men (Ripon College 1916-1946), responsible for the organization of the Civic Drama League “another expression of this new interest in the play.” Originally intended for the community, it also soon involved the student body.

Success reached its peak in the 1920′s and 1930′s. Although the Mask and Wig theater never officially disbanded, it dissolved into Theta Alpha Phi in the 1947-48 school year, soon after Prof. Boody left Ripon College in 1946. Its legacy and impact on Ripon College remains.

Listed below you will see the Mask and Wig’s many productions. Visit the Ripon College Archives for a collection of programs and photos.

Assembled by Emily Bach

Frances Lee McCain

Spencer Tracy

Ver Adest

Ver Adest, Latin for “spring is here,” entertained Ripon College and the Ripon community from 1946-1957. With elaborate musicals written and choreographed by Ripon College students*, the Ver Adest shows included student-performed comedy, song, and dance reviews.

During its years as a major event at Ripon College, the co-chairs of the Ver Adest shows were two of the most important student positions on campus. At one time the show’s production involved as many as 25-30% of the student body. Interest in Ver Adest waned after the 1957 production and the program retired.

1946 – “Hi there, Mister!” Co-chairs: Doris Jacob and John J. Hovak.
1947 – “Let’s Call it a Day!” Co-chairs: Mary Ellen Weiske and Dix Waldo.
1948 – “Take it from Here!” Co-chairs: Mary Lou Blattspieler and John Nickless.
1949 – “This is the Life!” Co-chairs: Doris Bohling and Richard Zoph.
1950 – “Mind your Business!” Co-chairs: Mary Ellen Brode and David Kirch.
1951 – “This is it!” Co-chairs: Joanne Klawiter and Joseph Mazza.
1952 – “Of All Things” Co-chairs: Gina Hirschberg and Bill Wildermann.
1953 – No production due to the absence of director William Peterman.
1954 – “Hello Again” Co-chairs: Jane Anne Furzland and John English.
1955 – “Good News!” Co-chairs: Helen Healy and Bob Schieler.
1956 – “Where’s Charlie?” Co-chairs: Bob Schieler and Bob Ainsnorth.
1957 – “Pajama Game” Co-chairs: Bob Ainsnorth and Peter Mortensen.

*In 1955 the Ver Adest production staff decided to try “book shows.” In these shows the music and words were already written in the form of a musical.