Though Mercer’s music, theatre and visual art departments offer degree programs in a variety of art forms, you don’t have to be an arts major to get involved in Mercer’s thriving arts community. If you’re looking for a new pastime or simply want to see what the Mercer extracurricular scene has to offer, give the following arts-based clubs and organizations a try — you’ll thank me later.  

Mercer Ballroom Dance Club

Whether you need to relieve some stress or just want to meet new people, the Mercer Ballroom Dance Club is an excellent choice for newcomers and seasoned dancers alike. Every Tuesday at 8:15 p.m. in Penfield Hall, the club comes together to learn a wide variety of dance styles and enjoy a night of mingling with friends. Once you’ve perfected the foxtrot, the waltz and the rumba, you’ll be able to show off your new moves at one of the club’s regular group outings.

To see pictures and video of the Ballroom Dance Club’s activities and learn more about the club, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/6306444639.

Mercer Players

From Shakespeare to cutting-edge original material, the Mercer Players are well known on campus for their versatility and dedication to theatre. Made up of both theatre majors and non-majors, the group stages several shows per year at the recently-renovated Tattnall Square Center for the Arts. Their first production of the upcoming season, “Gidion’s Knot,” will run from September 8–11. Tickets will be $10 with a student I.D.

For a complete list of the Mercer Players’ upcoming season, including times and dates and audition information, please visit www.tattnall.mercer.edu/theatre.

Mercer Bearitones

Though the Bearitones are a relatively new presence on campus, they have already made a name for themselves as Mercer’s only acapella group. The student-led musical ensemble recently competed at the ICCA 2016 Quarterfinals held at the University of Georgia and plans to continue to compete in the coming year. Auditions are open to students of all majors and backgrounds.

For more information about the Mercer Bearitones and a video of their set list at the ICCAs, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mercerbearitones.

Point B.L.A.N.K.

Formed in 2014, Mercer’s own Point B.L.A.N.K. (Believing Love and Nurturing Knowledge) has a passion for spoken word and spreading influential messages to the Macon community and beyond. The club, which often vies for titles in national-scale poetry slam competitions, meets regularly to critique one another’s work and practice for upcoming events. Most recently, the group traveled to Austin, Texas to compete in the College Union Poetry Slam Invitational held April 6–9.