A Call for Support: Staging More Plays at AAMUSTED By the Students of English Language Education

Introduction: Theatre as a Voice for Society

At Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), our vision has always been to merge knowledge with practical skill, nurturing students who can shape society through innovation, creativity, and leadership. For the Department of Languages (English Language Education), one of the most effective platforms for this vision is theatre.

The success of our maiden play, Shades of Us, staged on 29th August 2025 at the New Auditorium, was proof that drama is more than entertainment. It is a voice for the voiceless, a mirror for society, and an educational tool that prepares us as students for both academic and social responsibilities. The overwhelming response from dignitaries, lecturers, and the audience has emboldened us to make a humble appeal: we need the university’s support to stage more plays on campus.

Why Theatre Matters in Our Education

As students of English Language Education, drama is not just an elective activity; it is part of our academic training. Staging plays gives us the opportunity to bring theory to life. We study literature, drama, communication, and performance in the classroom, but it is through productions like Shades of Us that these lessons find real expression.

Theatre refines our public speaking, builds our confidence, and teaches us collaboration. It disciplines us in time management, creativity, and problem-solving. Beyond that, it provides us with a platform to engage society. The issues addressed in Shades of Us—unemployment, corruption, greed, galamsey, fraud, and moral decay—are not abstract topics; they are realities shaping Ghana today.

Through drama, we learn to combine knowledge with responsibility. We do not only entertain, but we also educate and inspire. Supporting theatre at AAMUSTED means equipping students not just to pass exams, but to become agents of change.

The Impact of Shades of Us

When we staged Shades of Us, we were not prepared for the impact it would create. The auditorium was filled with students, lecturers, and invited guests, including the Pro Vice-Chancellor, regional leaders, and distinguished personalities from the Kumasi community. The feedback was overwhelming: the performance was not only entertaining but deeply thought-provoking.

Students were inspired. Lecturers were proud. Guests commended the department for addressing national issues through art. And above all, we as performers realized that we had become more than students—we had become storytellers, mirrors, and voices of our generation.

The success of this production shows that theatre is a powerful tool for learning and for social commentary. With more support, we can make productions like Shades of Us a regular feature on campus, bringing both prestige and value to AAMUSTED.

The Challenges We Faced

Despite the success of the play, it was not easy. As students, we faced challenges with funding, logistics, and access to resources. Costumes, props, publicity, and technical equipment all demanded sacrifice from us personally. We also struggled with rehearsal spaces and scheduling, as we balanced academic work with preparation.

It was only through determination, creativity, and the generous support of lecturers like Dr. Essuman, Sir Kingsley, and Dr. Aduse-Poku that the production was realized. But for theatre to thrive at AAMUSTED, we cannot always rely on goodwill and student contributions alone. We need sustainable institutional support.

What We Are Asking For

Our request is simple: we want the university to help us stage more plays on campus. Specifically, we appeal for:

Financial Support – funding to cover costumes, props, stage sets, publicity, and technical needs.

Infrastructure & Space – access to rehearsal halls, performance spaces, and proper storage for costumes and equipment.

Institutional Recognition – making drama productions an official part of the school calendar to attract audiences and support.

Collaborations – linking with other faculties and departments to enrich productions with diverse talents.

Opportunities for Bigger Platforms – helping us take successful productions beyond campus to festivals, conferences, and national events.

With these, we can sustain a vibrant theatre culture at AAMUSTED that enhances the university’s image and contributes to national conversations.

The Bigger Picture: Theatre as Legacy

Supporting theatre at AAMUSTED is not just about one department or one play. It is about shaping a culture of creativity, discipline, and social responsibility. It is about showing that our university values not only academic performance but also holistic education.

Imagine AAMUSTED becoming known not only for training professionals in education and entrepreneurship but also for producing socially conscious playwrights, actors, directors, and storytellers. Imagine our university plays becoming cultural events in Kumasi and beyond, drawing audiences from across the country. This vision is possible—but only with support.

Conclusion: From Dreams to Reality

As students, we have tasted what is possible. With Shades of Us, we moved from classroom dreams to the stage of society. We now know that our voices matter and that our stories can make a difference.

We appeal to the university leadership, the Faculty of Education and Communication Sciences, and the Department of Languages to walk with us on this journey. Let us build a culture where every year, AAMUSTED stages plays that educate, inspire, and transform.

Theatre is not a luxury—it is an essential part of who we are as students of English Language Education. And with the support of the school, our voices will grow louder, our stories will go further, and AAMUSTED will stand taller as a university that nurtures not just minds, but also hearts and souls.