Charles Gilpin Players (CGP)
The Charles Gilpin Players (CGP or “Gilpins”) are a performance organization. Founded in 1929, CGP has a unique legacy as the oldest, consistently-performing theatre company in Texas to feature African American artists and has been producing plays annually since 1930. Since inception, the Gilpins have provided the Prairie View A&M campus and surrounding communities with vibrant arts and cultural programming previously non-existent in the area.
CGP produces 2 main stage productions during the school year and several smaller productions including PVAMU’s popular Student Orientation show and numerous requested performances on-campus and in the community at large for awareness (i.e. drug and alcohol) and culturally-themed months (Black History, Women’s History, etc). In addition to numerous on-campus performances, “CGP Troupes” travel throughout the state, at the request of schools, religious centers and other organizations providing original theatre works, often, in communities where there is none. Audiences across the country have enjoyed the dynamic, cross-cultural experience of CGP performances for over 80 years.
To inquire about bringing a CGP performance to your community or event, please contact Hardy L. Bates at hlbates@pvamu.edu or (936) 261-3306.
Student Membership
Theatre Minors are inducted into the Charles Gilpin Players within their first year of dedicated service to the organization, upon successful completion of the New Faces performance showcase, participation in one troupe and one group, and payment of organizational dues in commitment to and in support of CGP. All PVAMU students are welcome to work with the Gilpins and become formal members after a provisional period of satisfactory service and activity in some capacity towards a minimum of 3 Gilpin productions during the year.
CGP has a Board of student officers, from president to chaplain, who are selected by students and must remain active and in good standing to continue to hold their position.
Gilpin Alumni. Once a Gilpin, always a Gilpin!
The Charles Gilpin Players continue in the tradition of an 80-year legacy to produce quality theatre, to serve the community through the arts and to educate the next generation of theatre artists by offering a highly-desired program for training and excellence. As we forge ahead, we also “reach back” to you as graduates. We value your experiences as alumni and look to your successes in the world as examples of all that a Gilpin can do! We invite you to revisit, to share, and to support CGP Theatre as we manifest a new chapter of the Gilpin Legacy. We need your help as we bring this exciting season of growth and revitalization to life. Here’s how:
Revisit
Each Gilpin production is a chance for our students to participate actively in their education and to train for a future in the arts. Please join us by attending a CGP production this year and every year! If you can’t make it, send a friend or just stop by to say hello whenever you’re in town. We’d love to meet you. Please contact Hardy L. Bates at hlbates@pvamu.edu to join our mailing list for updates on upcoming CGP shows and events.
Share
We know that Prairie View “produces productive people” and we know that CGP produces amazing artists! Alumni are highlighted in the Gilpin Guild Newsletter and the end-of-the-year Banquet and Sasser Awards. Please share with us your journey since graduating from CGP and your success stories by contacting Hardy L. Bates at hlbates@pvamu.edu. Be sure to include your name (as a student, if changed), contact information and year of graduation.
Support: “Give to Gilpins”
Donations received via our “Give to Gilpins” campaign go directly to the Gilpin Development Fund to provide scholarships, touring performances and professional development opportunities for current members of CGP. For your convenience, donations can be made online at the Gilpin Market Place. Your gift is tax-deductible and donations of any size are greatly appreciated. As a “Give to Gilpins” supporter, you will receive the Gilpin Guild Newsletter with our latest updates as well as special recognition and invitations to CGP events. If you would like to support CGP by donating items or services, please contact Hardy L. Bates at hlbates@pvamu.edu or (936) 261-3306. We hope that you will be generous as you consider the Charles Gilpin Players for your contribution.