Texan Theatre leaves audience in smiles and laughter

BY MICAELA SULLIVAN

Multimedia Journalist

Texan Theatre performed “No Business Like It” by Carl L. Williams on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, leaving not only the student audience but also the university president in laughter.

Texan Theatre originally began with the Tarleton Players, the oldest theatre organization at Tarleton State University. Tarleton Players was created by Tarleton students who did not have a theatrical program and wanted to create their own. 

To this day, Tarleton Players stands to connect all students – not just theatre majors, but students who are genuinely interested in theatre. 

On Oct. 2, 2025, Texan Theatre began showing “No Business Like It,” a play within a play following the character of Marci, an actress whose chaotic antics make the executive director’s job of producing a successful show challenging.

The Texan Theatre cast left the audience smiling and laughing from start to finish, including President Dr. Hurley, who attended in support of the student program and was laughing throughout the performance.

The director of the show, senior theatre major Elm Carter, praised the cast for its immediate impact.

“They literally made this job so easy,” Carter said. 

She added that their effort went beyond simply following directions. 

“I would ask something of them, and they wouldn’t just take it, they would improve on it and make it better,” Carter said.

What makes Texan Theatre especially unique is the sense of community the members create. 

“I enjoy every day I’m here. I think it is so much fun because everyone is a part of a good community. We all lean on each other through the good and the bad, and it’s amazing,” Carter said.

While Texan Theatre is no stranger to producing quality shows, “No Business Like It” drew an unprecedented crowd for the program.

“Having an actual audience laughing and joining, it’s cathartic,” Carter said.

“No Business Like It” is just the beginning of the shows they have to offer. Their next show dates are as follows: November 20-23, February 19-22 and April 16-19.