INTERVIEW BY JAMIE ROGERS
Where are you from?
Pflugerville, Texas
Were you involved in theatre when you were in high school? Any past theatre experience on stage or behind the scenes?
I was involved in every production I could be in high school, both on and off stage. I often joked that I spent more time with my high school theatre directors than with my own parents. Prior to high school, I grew up in the Community Theatre world during summers with my dad, who is a Stage Manager. I saw a lot of shows, and loved to help out wherever I could, from printing scripts to painting sets.
What were the reasons you decided to enroll in the AAS degree in Technical Theatre at Austin Community College? What track have you chosen and why?
I was looking to change careers to become a theatre teacher, but needed theatre credit hours to be eligible. The AAS degree was the perfect solution for me, because it not only gave me the credit hours I needed, but was also a hands-on program that offered the experience I had been missing from being out of theatre for so long. I chose the Costuming Technology and Makeup Artistry track because I’ve always loved the transformation of a performer, and fell in love with Costuming after working in the Costuming department at Walt Disney World.
Any favorite classes in the Drama Department and why? Important things you have learned so far?
I really enjoyed Sewing and Construction, because sewing was always something I’ve wanted to learn but never knew where to start. My absolute favorite class so far has been Wig Construction, because it really boosted my creativity and gave me the confidence to try new things.
You are currently the Assistant Lighting Designer for ACC Drama’s fall production of Lonely Planet. Can you tell us a bit about what the production process has been like?
Working on this production has been interesting because I’ve never been involved in a production from the very beginning, so seeing ideas come together from start to finish has been really exciting. This production is also giving me much needed experience in lighting, in a very hands-on way, so I’m happy to have the opportunity to learn so much in a short period of time.
Any favorite ACC Drama Production?
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I haven’t really seen any ACC Drama productions, so I’m really excited for the 2021-2022 season!
Do you attend school and have outside employment? If so, how do you find a balance between work and drama department involvement?
I have a part-time, remote job outside of school. There have definitely been times of struggle, but thankfully my job is pretty flexible, and cares about my education. I like to stay busy, and (as my professors would tell you) I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I live by a (color-coded) schedule to manage my time!
Any overall advice to give to current ACC Drama Majors on ways to get them involved in the Department?
I would say to really create a relationship with your advisor and professors, and openly share your goals, and things you would like to learn with them, because they really are there to help. Also, don’t be afraid to raise your hand to volunteer!
What does the future hold?
This Fall I will be applying for an Alternative Teaching Certification Program, and hopefully by this time next year I will be in my own classroom as a teacher.
Photo credits: Megan Harper