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| Sarah K. Smith, Cyndi LaFrese, Chris Olander, and Kelly Holt |
As part of this falls Advanced Topics in Dramaturgy class, which is focused on interdisciplinarity, we had the wonderful opportunity to bring together four alums of theatre programs at the University of Arizona. What follows in the comments section are the students' responses to our discussion with Sarah K. Smith (MA in theatre education/outreach), Cyndi LaFrese (BA in Theatre Arts), Chris Olander (BFA in Acting) and Kelly Holt (BA in Theatre Arts).
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I found it interesting that all four alumni agreed that time management was a huge issue when taking on projects. I know that as a college student, it can be a tricky skill to master in regards to classes. Still, I think I like to live in the fantasy world where I get to do everything I want without having to deal with the real life consequences of being stretched too thin and having to back out of projects I really like or believe in.
I also really enjoyed hearing about what Sarah K. Smith did in pursuing her Master’s degree. In moving from Chicago to Tucson, she took a big step in making her life her own, even though she didn’t know anyone in Tucson. I want to bring that courage into my own life choices, and make decisions that are the best for me, even if they are gutsy. I was really inspired by her bravery.
If any of the alumni are reading this, I just want to say thanks again for coming in to speak with us! I had a great time hearing your perspectives.
The alumni that visited our class offered insight into their different areas of work. While all worked in the arts, each had different interests and specializations. The alums all studied theatre but eventually moved on to doing sound design for video games, grant writing, educational outreach, and deaf children’s theatre. I found it was inspiring to see that though many of these people work outside of the theatre, their passion for their work is still present.
Although there was a lot of great advice, Chris Olander’s suggestion to separate rejection from self-worth particularly resonated with me. In art there is constant criticism, which can be draining, but learning how to channel this into a creation is crucial. It is important to recognize the constructive value of criticism, or growth as an artist will falter.
Before speaking with our alumni guests I had a lot of apprehension about the panel discussion. To be honest, I was frightened by what I might learn. I was afraid I would soon be told that finding a career in the real world with a degree in theatre was next to impossible or at least extremely challenging. Thankfully my fears were unfounded. One of the primary points that I took away from our time with Miss Smith, Miss LaFrese, Mr. Olander and Mrs. Holt was the classic notion “where there is a will, there is a way.” Each of our guests are extremely successful in their separate fields and all are doing something that they love. Each panelist said that their degree in theatre provided them with many of the skills that they need to be successful in their work.
Another encouragement that I received through the course of our class discussion was to allow myself time and the means to be inspired. One of the many ways that our panelists mentioned they are inspired is through reading. As students reading for fun or pleasure is extremely rare, but I hope to take up this practice in the near future. Only through reading can we be influenced by great authors and playwrights, who were/are not surprisingly also inspired by the things that they read. In his book, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!, Dr. Seuss says “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” As children we are taught at a very young age that reading is important, but as the treasured pastime becomes highly dictated by our studies we lose interest in reading more than what is mandated. I was greatly encouraged by our discussion with the panelists to change this practice.
Essentially I walked away from the panel discussion, inspired and excited for the future as a theatre graduate. I look forward to our future discussions as the class proceeds with interviews via Skype and I cannot wait to discover more insider tips and knowledge through this process.
Last year was the first time I began to experience the plethora of bills that plague individuals in their adult life. After paying Chicago rent, on top of utilities each month, and buying food to sustain myself I was about to have a breakdown. I looked at myself and asked, "Faith, what are you doing?? Can you really make a living with a degree in theatre?". This question still haunts me today and mysteriously rears its ugly head when I least expect it.
When I found out that four alumni were going to visit our dramaturgy to class to talk about the interdisciplinary nature of their careers, my fear arose again. Like Jessica, I was apprehensive because I might be terrified by what I was about to learn. However, I was pleasantly surprised and instead of leaving dejected after our two hour meeting I felt as if I left with a better sense of dignity and a stronger perspective of my future possibilities possessing a BFA Dramaturgy degree.
All of the individuals in our panel had extremely different jobs. However, they all found a way to incorporate their theatrical degrees to craft their careers. I have no idea what I want to do with my life when I graduate. Maybe I want to take a stab at acting, maybe I will move back to the Midwest and fulfill my fathers dream and partner myself with our family agricultural business, or maybe I will be a casting director. I have no clue what my future beholds. I used to grapple with this uncertainty but now after our panel discussion I am beginning to learn that the unknown is alright. That is because all of these individuals really didn't know what they were going to do either, but they are all happy with the path they are currently following even though it might not have been what they imagined.
Theatre truly is interdisciplinary, and this was better highlighted through the conversation produced through this panel meeting. I am learning crucial skills as a dramaturg. I have to effectively communicate to people, I have to read something and interpret it comprehensively, and I am also encouraged to think of creative ways to approach the conversation or presentation of materials. These skills are crucial to master as a dramaturg, but they are also important factors needed to function as a human being.
What I was probably most excited by when these alumni sat down to talk to us, was that they all had jobs. Something I think is a huge stereotype and fear is that people who graduate with an emphasis in theatre will never be employed. But hearing about all of the wonderful things these people were doing from sound design to grant writing to duct tape wallets and educational outreach was reassuring for me and my own future.
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