Why did you choose Iowa State?
I chose Iowa State, because I knew I wanted to pursue the arts, but I wasn’t sure how far I was willing to go away from home to pursue my education. It was relatively affordable, and I heard positive things about the experience at Iowa State within my area of interest but also as a campus.
How did you become interested in your major? What excites you most about your major?
I have always been an active person. I did a lot in school, from choir to band, softball to volleyball. I did it all. Once I got to middle school, I began performing and auditioning for the school musicals and plays, and I fell in love with performance. I was always a movie person, and every time I was on stage, it felt like I was in a movie. I also had amazing teachers that really helped propel my love for performance. What excites me most is how community-oriented the profession is. You can be quite literally anything in this degree, from an actor to a stagehand, to a designer. Everyone is so important to making this job work, and that collaboration is my favorite part.
What’s your favorite class so far within your major and why?
I think Theater History Ancient to 19th century would be my favorite. It was such a fun and bizarre exploration of how theater came to be, and it was such an engaging class with strange activities and games that really made us think while also being so fun. I have a lot of great memories with friends in that class.
What are your current career interests and/or goals for after graduation?
Right now, I have found more of an interest in directing, so between my acting internships and auditions, I really want to shadow companies and begin learning the live rehearsal process outside of an educational setting and start establishing my name in the space. There are a few small projects coming out of college that I would love to pursue in building that directing portfolio.
How would you describe the support you receive from faculty or staff in your major or at Iowa State in general?
Within my specific degree, the support was on a more intimate level. All professors knew every student in our department, so building those relationships was integral to my experience at Iowa State. I learned so many amazing things from them, and also the professors from my gen-eds. I know some professors can be hardcore, but I had some of the sweetest and passionate professors within their respective degrees that I got to learn so much from. The professors were there for me, whether I needed to inquire about an assignment I was struggling with, or I needed to talk to someone about a crazy day I had.
Internship/Shadowing experiences
Have you had any internship experiences yet? (Or work experiences related to your major)
I’ve had the opportunity to intern at a local museum as well as a local theater company in my time at Iowa State. I also got the chance to Assistant Direct for a show where I got to shadow the production process.
What did you enjoy most about it?
It was a really fun experience to translate my creative experience in acting/directing to apply to a theater setting as well as a non-theater setting. It really showed me how versatile I can be in the workplace.
How did it help prepare you for your future goals and career?
It really helped me prepare for my future goals, because collaboration is so important to my field, and I’ve had to collaborate within a space where I have a lot of knowledge and outside a space where my knowledge is more condensed to a narrow part of a broad field.
What’s your most memorable ISU experience so far?
I truly have so many, since I’ve had the opportunity to take part in so many great experiences, big and small. I think my most memorable experience was my first meeting with fellow freshman in my department. It was such a refreshing change from my previous school, and I made connections that I think will last a lifetime. They are some of my best friends in the whole world, and it was really welcoming.
The best part of studying Performing Arts at Iowa State is ….
The campus, for sure. I have always loved Iowa State’s campus. It’s super walkable, the buildings have so much interesting history, and certain buildings like the Memorial Union, are so beautiful to just pass by when going to class.
What has surprised you most about your major?
It surprised me how broad the performing arts truly is. There are so many popular and niche routes to travel, and it is ever-evolving.
What’s your favorite class so far that is not related to your major?
My FAVORITE class outside of my major, is Religion in Ancient Greece and Rome. What a phenomenal and passionate professor I had. I love classes that have games and activities, and on top of the huge reading assignments, we had some of the funniest debates and presentations. It’s a super immersive experience, and I cannot hammer home how absolutely amazing the professor was.
Have you learned to use any new technology at Iowa State? If so, what was it and what’s been the most interesting or exciting part of learning about it or using it?
In my last year, I got the opportunity to explore more technical theater, including programs like Vectorworks and Ecos, two programs that deal with creating 3d models of sets and the lighting program used to create the lighting for shows on a real-world standard. It’s been really
interesting to get to connect my creative knowledge to more mathematical software to expand my knowledge of theater practices.
What’s your proudest ISU moment so far?
By far, my proudest moment came from this past conference at ACTF Region 5. We represented Iowa State in many categories; MTI, Irene Ryans, 10 Minute-Play Directing, Dramaturgy, etc. I brought a play excerpt to ACTF for the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Scholarship. The play I chose was Miss Julie by August Strindberg, and I was very proud to bring Kiernan McReynolds, Jordan Harvey, and Jordyn Johnstad as my actors to the conference. There, we went through a preliminary round, and then a finalist round. Due to the tight schedule within the theater department, we didn’t have as much rehearsal time as I had wanted. But, when I say they performed so beautifully, I am so proud of them. With their help, I received the SDC Fellowship National Award for my direction. I worked really hard for it, having got the runner-up the previous year. It was a dream come true for me, and it was because of them and everyone who supported me through the process.
My best advice for new students is . . .
Change is hard, but don’t be afraid to face that. You don’t become a better version of yourself by staying the same. Don’t just hear things, really listen. Take it in. You will be learning until the day you die, and when you learn to enjoy that process, change isn’t so hard.
When I came to ISU, I never thought I would . . .
Find a community that I truly fit in, and I’m glad I was wrong.
I plan to make an impact in the world by . . .
Paying forward what I’ve learned and continue to help the performance space as it grows and adapts to the ever-changing world. I want to give back to the communities that gave so much for me to be where I am today and tomorrow.
What’s something new you were inspired to try or do at Iowa State?
I was inspired to try lighting design and pick up literally any sort of technical education within theater.
How have you grown personally at Iowa State?
As I’ve grown in such a diverse environment, I have become a more passionate person. I understand how important drive having is in this space, but it’s just as important to have compassion and patience, and that’s something I really had to learn. I understand myself more, and I feel more confident as an artist.
Is there anything else you want to add that’s important for you to share?
There are a lot of degrees that are competitive and that will try to put you down. There are life experiences you will go through that could really tear you down. Don’t forget that experience, but don’t let it ruin you. Change something. It could be big, it could be small. All it takes is one change. Oh, and ALWAYS believe in yourself.