Designing a Future
Meet Bobbie Buie, a senior majoring in Performing Arts and English, who is crafting their own unique path within the Performing Arts at Iowa State University.
“I knew I wanted to study theatre, but I didn’t know what specific path I wanted to take,” they recall, reflecting on their decision to join Iowa State’s Department of Music and Theatre. “The flexible degree program allowed me to explore different facets of theatre, helping me discover what truly fulfills me.”
That flexibility has seen Bobbie take on roles both on and off the stage. Bobbie is a carpenter and electrician at the Fisher Theater and a stagehand at Stephens Auditorium. Bobbie's recent projects reflect their burgeoning talent in both lighting and scenic design. During the 2023-2024 season, Bobbie was the scenic designer for ISU Theatre’s production of “Always Plenty of Light at the Starlight All Night Diner”. Over the summer, they honed their skills as a lighting apprentice at the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, Minnesota. Back at Iowa State, Bobbie is gearing up for their fall projects, including lighting design for “Fairytales for the Anthropocene” and scenic design for Iowa Stage Theatre Company’s “Witch”—a milestone as their first professional theatrical design. Looking ahead, Bobbie will take on the role of scenic and lighting designer for ISU Theatre’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in the spring.
Building Lasting Relationships
In addition to their technical and design work, Bobbie serves as a student representative for ISU Theatre. “I facilitate communication between my peers and faculty, coordinate events, and assist with recruitment efforts,” they explain. Bobbie's leadership role allows them to engage deeply with the theatre community, fostering relationships that will undoubtedly serve them well in the future.
Bobbie is also grateful for the relationships they have built with their instructors. “They’re interested in me as both a person and a theatre artist,” they say. “Several professors have gone above and beyond to connect me with both professional employment and opportunities right here at Iowa State.” This nurturing environment has been instrumental in shaping Bobbie’s academic journey, helping them develop a plan to apply the skills they have learned to the professional world now and in the future.
The Road Ahead
As Bobbie eyes graduation in Spring 2025, they have clear plans for the future. “I’d love to move to Chicago and work as a freelance theatrical designer for a couple of years before pursuing my MFA in either lighting or scenic design,” Bobbie shares. Bobbie's ambition is matched only by their drive to create art that resonates with audiences.
Words of Wisdom
To prospective students considering a path in the performing arts, Bobbie has some sage advice: Build relationships with your professors, because they are the building blocks of your professional network. Don’t wait for opportunities to fall into your lap because you’re way more likely to receive them if you ask for them.”