What Is Hasty Pudding Club And How To Get Involved

The Hasty Pudding Club is a prestigious social and theatrical organization at Harvard University. Founded in 1770, it is the oldest collegiate drama club in the United States and the third-oldest social club at Harvard, after the Porcellian Club and the A.D. Club. The club is known for its annual pantomime, which has been performed continuously since 1844, as well as its annual Man and Woman of the Year awards.

History

The Hasty Pudding Club was founded by a group of Harvard students who were dissatisfied with the existing social and theatrical clubs on campus. The club’s name is derived from the hasty pudding, a dish made from cornmeal and milk, which was a staple food for early New Englanders. The club’s motto, “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori,” is a Latin phrase meaning “It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.”

The Hasty Pudding Club has a long and distinguished history. Its members have included some of the most famous and influential people in American history, including eight U.S. presidents, numerous senators and governors, and Nobel Prize winners. The club’s annual pantomime has been a popular tradition for over 150 years, and its Man and Woman of the Year awards have been given to some of the biggest stars in entertainment.

Activities

The Hasty Pudding Club is involved in a variety of activities, including:

• Theatrical productions: The club’s annual pantomime is one of the most popular student-run shows in the country. The pantomime is a satirical musical comedy that pokes fun at current events and popular culture.
• Social events: The club hosts a variety of social events throughout the year, including parties, dinners, and dances.
• Community service: The club is involved in a variety of community service projects, including volunteering at local soup kitchens and homeless shelters.

Membership

Membership in the Hasty Pudding Club is highly selective. The club has a total of 125 members, who are chosen from the sophomore class at Harvard University. Members are chosen based on their academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and leadership potential.

The Hasty Pudding Pantomime

The Hasty Pudding Pantomime is the club’s signature event. The pantomime is a satirical musical comedy that pokes fun at current events and popular culture. The pantomime is written and performed by the club’s members, and it is typically performed for two weeks in February and March.

The Hasty Pudding Pantomime has been a popular tradition for over 150 years. The pantomime has been performed by some of the biggest stars in entertainment, including Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Meryl Streep.

The Hasty Pudding Man and Woman of the Year Awards

The Hasty Pudding Man and Woman of the Year awards are given to two individuals who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. The awards are given at a ceremony in February, and the recipients are chosen by a vote of the club’s members.

Some of the past recipients of the Hasty Pudding Man of the Year award include Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, and Robert De Niro. Some of the past recipients of the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year award include Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, and Sandra Bullock.

The Hasty Pudding Theater

The Hasty Pudding Theater is the club’s home theater. The theater is located in Harvard Square, and it is used for the club’s pantomime productions and other events. The theater was built in 1915, and it is one of the oldest student-run theaters in the country.

The Hasty Pudding Archives

The Hasty Pudding Archives are located in the Harvard University Archives. The archives contain a collection of materials related to the club’s history, including photographs, playbills, and costumes. The archives are open to the public, and they are a valuable resource for researchers interested in the history of the Hasty Pudding Club.

In a nutshell

The Hasty Pudding Club is a unique and vibrant organization that has been a part of Harvard University for over 250 years. The club’s pantomime productions, social events, and community service projects make it a valuable asset to the university community. The Hasty Pudding Club is a testament to the power of student initiative and creativity, and it is an important part of Harvard’s rich history.

Top Questions Asked

• What is the Hasty Pudding Club?

The Hasty Pudding Club is a prestigious social and theatrical organization at Harvard University. It is the oldest collegiate drama club in the United States and the third-oldest social club at Harvard.

• What is the Hasty Pudding Pantomime?

The Hasty Pudding Pantomime is the club’s signature event. It is a satirical musical comedy that pokes fun at current events and popular culture. The pantomime is written and performed by the club’s members, and it is typically performed for two weeks in February and March.

• Who are some of the past recipients of the Hasty Pudding Man and Woman of the Year awards?

Some of the past recipients of the Hasty Pudding Man of the Year award include Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, and Robert De Niro. Some of the past recipients of the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year award include Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, and Sandra Bullock.

• Where is the Hasty Pudding Theater located?

The Hasty Pudding Theater is located in Harvard Square, and it is used for the club’s pantomime productions and other events.

• Are the Hasty Pudding Archives open to the public?

Yes, the Hasty Pudding Archives are open to the public. They are located in the Harvard University Archives and contain a collection of materials related to the club’s history, including photographs, playbills, and costumes.