Artist's Statement

Theatre is hard to define. Most simply, it’s when an actor presents themself in a space and performs a piece for an audience. That is the most stripped-down form of theatre, but that’s not what we all know it to be. To me, theatre is the most complete form of storytelling. It mixes all of the possible forms of art and melds them together into one cohesive piece. Theatre, as an art form, is the most effective way to convey a message or to connect with an audience. From the moment the lights dim, to the swell of the orchestra, to the world-building set and costumes, and the intensity of the actors. All of it comes together to make the perfect work of art. Theatre is a collaborative medium that embraces all skill sets to reach a show’s full potential. It is a place of workshopping, experimentation, slowly growing to realization, and finally performing with authenticity. Theatre is a space for growth that feeds the minds of those who inhabit it. In more direct terms, theatre is another medium of communication, but it combines nearly all the sensations of the body to fully immerse the audience. It brings the audience into its story in a more literal sense. 

 

What I love most about theatre cannot merely be described, but I will certainly try my best. What I love most about theatre is the community that it brings together. When you first start the process, everyone is a stranger. Some actors or designers may already know each other, but not in the context of the piece that you are about to embark on. Everyone is antsy to begin, but little do they know how close they are about to get. As we continue, it becomes a process of trusting and understanding each other. Bonds are created, not just between actors and directors or their fellow cast, but between the actor and their characters. I love the moment when an actor makes a spontaneous choice because they understand what their character would do beyond the script. I love to see everyone grow close and extend those friendships beyond the space. I also love to see this process happen with the audience. Those who see the show in this context get to connect, empathize, and live with these people on the stage. The people in the audience get to be in community with each other, as they go through collective emotions and process the piece as a group. They’ll laugh together, they’ll cry together, and they might just go out into the world and make a change together. This is only possible because of the community that theatre creates.  

 

I believe that theatre should be a place where all are welcome to explore and grow. One of the great things about theatre is its possibility. There are so many skills that one person can learn in the theatre, and we should always encourage them to explore. My favorite kind of artist lets their curiosity run wild. This person could try their hand at a lot of things or dig deeper into the things they love most. Either way, they continue to learn and are free to discover along the way. Above all, theatre should be a place of creativity and fun. A script holds the power of endless possibilities for how to light, dress, construct, and command the story. If these possibilities are explored wisely and with great curiosity, then there’s no telling what our brains can come up with.  

 

As a theatre artist, I will do my best to make an impact on those around me. I will continue to look towards those who have inspired me and built my foundation and continue to grow. I hope to use my strengths to benefit the productions I work on. I hope to direct shows that make a greater impact on my audience, whether that’s as simple as making them laugh on a rough day or as complex as bringing awareness to greater issues. I hope that these works can influence one person to reflect, explore, or do something they never would have expected themselves to do. I hope to teach my students the same when the time comes. After all, the theatre changed my life for the better and I hope that I can help it change someone else’s.