The first theatrical production I was ever involved in as a tech crew member, happened by pure accident. At the end of the school day, a group of friends whisked me away to their drama club meeting, and at the end of the week I was the only member of that group that remained. That accident was the genesis of a brand new passion. From starting off as an average stage hand to becoming a full-fledged member of the high-school tech program, I was hooked for life.
Since starting in the field of technical theatre, it seems like it’s been show after show. A grand total of fourteen shows in two years, being involved in almost every technical aspect of each show, has solidified my career decision. No matter how stressful the shows have become, whether it was being the head costume designer for over 30 students in my second ever show, or creating fully functional weaponized props out of foam for an entirely improved performance, nothing in life could be
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By combining my love of art with a long love of creating my own imaginary dimensional scenes whilst reading, the creativity was unleashed in full. These abilities guaranteed positions of leadership within many theatrical productions. Tales of Terror from the tragic Valley 2014 was an annual Halloween show put on by my high school. This was the first show where a leading production role was given: stage manager, and scenic painter. While managing the show was something I was completely prepared for, the scenic painting came as a bit of a surprise. I was told to paint a 10ft tall by 6ft wide group of flats with a doorway cut out into an entryway for the shows haunted house. That in and of itself wasn’t difficult, the time frame however, was. I was given two hours the very night of the show to paint an entire entrance of my own creation. Miraculously, even with two helpers that had no prior theatre experience, a gigantic demonic face was
I discovered that I loved building, painting sets, working with costumes, and creating props for our production. That experience let me see that I can use my art in a professional way and not just for fun. Although I have acted on stage in several community and school plays for the past six years, I am discovering that I am just as excited about technical theater production as well. I just love to get my hands dirty and let my creativity take me away with great ideas, for example, I use polymer clay to create original charms, I make my own scented slime and
I want to experience what it’s like to work with other artists who are all committed full-heartedly to one goal. As an enthusiastic worker, with a very versatile background, I can assist anyone who needs my help and then grow more as a performer and artist. I have studied many aspects of life, but creating is what brings joy to my life. With this apprenticeship, I will participate in theatrical creation at every level. Thank you for your time and consideration. I have enclosed a headshot and acting resume, as required, but I have also included a professional resume including my work experience in theater. I hope to hear from you
Innovative, ideal, and beautiful, Carnegie Mellon University attains a multitude of components that are categorically suited for students like myself, striving to pursue a profession in the entertainment industry. Carnegie Mellon initially allured my attention from it’s prominent history of accomplishments and praises as an entire institution, in a technologically sound campus teaming with life, diversity, and possibility. During in-depth college research, I discovered it withheld a plethora of opportunities for myself, if I applied and auditioned as an undergraduate B.F.A in music theatre. Carnegie Mellon set the standard for my personal requirements when I came across the School of Drama in the College of Fine Arts, and no alternate program has surpassed my liking since. I strive to excel in the entertainment industry, and it’s to my full belief that Carnegie Mellon’s School of Drama is the ultimate choice to guide me on that journey.
Ever since I was little, I worked to perfect every craft form that I took an extreme interest in and so that I may strive in my artistic career. Although achieving perfection is an impossible task, it is a driving force for my passion of many art forms. The main fields of my artistic interest include theatrical performance, vocal performance, costume design, and educating others about my passion for art. There are many things that drive my passion for art, but of all of my motivations, the most important is that I change the world using art.
Throughout my high school career, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in multiple FACT productions. My favorite of all shows was the Youth Fact Production of Treasure Island and A Pirate Carol. I enjoyed working with the younger students and having an opportunity to learn to work well with all age groups. My involvement was largely in the technical aspect for this show; including fly rail operation, show control involvement, and stage management. I specifically enjoyed working one student who showed interest in some of the technical theater. I showed him around backstage, how to complete a few simple tasks, and talked about stagecraft. It was so exciting for me to see how interested he was and to see his eyes light up when describing the
I always knew that the theatre was a place I belonged. From the days of being a novice of theatre to now there has always been a part of me that felt secure on stage. However, it wasn’t until my junior year musical that I realized that the theatre was my home. It was somewhere I could always discover a safe spot to be and that the people there would forever be my chosen family. On a soggy evening in late April for the first time in my life I fell apart completely, and the only thing that brought me back was the hot lights shining on me, with music and dance steps circling through my brain: the essence of a theatre.
Hi Justin, following up on our conversation of my technical theater experience along with stage managing I began to pursue my interest in stage managing my sophomore year in Victoria, TX. The production I began with was "The Wizard of OZ" It was quite the experience having over 60 high school students along with 100 munchkins who were in grades from Kindergarten to Fifth. I learned how to organize and always plan for the worst case scenario. I spent many long hours especially on Saturdays recording choreography, running lines, blocking, taping, and reassuring actors that the show must go on when things started to become overwhelming. I would have three different scripts dedicated to blocking, sound, and lights. I ran the show many times without
In middle school I volunteered to help out backstage for the play that was being performed in the fall. I had no idea at the time how much I would love the knowledge and skill set that came with the world of technical theater. It didn’t all happen at once, because the theater program at The Fessenden School wasn’t the greatest, but it was enough for me to know how much I enjoyed it. The step by step of each sequential scene was crystal clear to me. The following year, I was promoted to the role of stage manager to replace the student who had previously held the role. I stepped up and got to work. At the end of that year, the head of the theater department told me that he thought I was much better than the previous stage manager due to my constant check-ins about scene changes and prop locations when I asked about how well I did in comparison. "As well? No, much better in fact!" I have never forgotten his
When I started high school I stayed as a cast member for my freshman year and successfully auditioned into the drama club. The following year, I decided to try crew, and became a “mic runner”. I was in charge of making sure all the microphones were in working order and attached to the assigned cast members, then I would stay back stage each night during the production in case something went wrong with the mic packs. The following year, I did the same thing since I enjoyed it so much. I slowly went from singing and acting to sound tech. Though I don’t wish to work in a theatrical setting, by being a part of the drama club for years, I have been shifting toward Audio Tech throughout my time there. Even without direct experience with the soundboard, I became friends with those who did work it and I learned that in order to be successful in that job, it is essential that you love what you
Since the fall of my freshman year I have been involved in the theater program at my school. Theater has been a creative and expressive outlet for me throughout my highschool career, and my life would definitely not be the same without it. The reason theater is so important to me is that not only can one explore the minds of characters from all walks of life, but the opportunity also arises to become part of a community that is all about love and acceptance for everyone, no matter who you are. I try to embody this ideal throughout my life. Whether I was a gorilla from Africa, a Hungarian-American theater owner, the father of a troubled Romeo in a Shakespearean world with a twist, a boy turned beast in the creative mind of Walt Disney, A Catholic Cardinal in 17th century France, or an elephant in the world thought up by Dr Seuss, each role changed my perception of the world and its inhabitants.
At age eighteen, I underwent one of the most strenuous experiences of my life when I attended a prestigious musical theatre conservatory. From 7:30a until 10:00p Monday through Friday, I never stopped moving. I committed to studying music, theatre, and dance from the inside out. I consulted newspaper archives and interviewed playwrights in order to understand my characters’ backgrounds. I delved into every aspect of the plays I was assigned, like an investigator rather than a performer, learning about the political and social climate of the era in which the plays were first written and performed, the biographies of the playwrights, and even the weather patterns in the regions where the plays were set. Unlike my classmates, who reported feeling burdened and uninspired by their research, I experienced a rush of excitement with every new discovery.
My worries about the future of the musical theatre program, however, have unfortunately also grown exponentially. Before the being exposed to all of the new information that I’m now immensely aware of, I had no worries about the low-paying nature of theatre or its subsequent consequences. Now, however, my worries have started to mount up. Interestingly enough, the film La La Land was my initial exposure to the struggles of being an actor because I had never thought about the behind the scenes
This program has shown me new passions and career opportunities. Meeting and learning from working professionals within in the field, and watching all the different forms of artistry, I have found that I have an array of occupational options for my future. I discovered that I don’t just have to be a performer. I can be a sales marketer, programmer, lightning designer, sound designer, producer, director, company manager, stage manager, actor or even a patron.
It was a Saturday night, in the middle of a cold February. The year was 2011, and I was a sophomore in high school. My face had been painted in layers of bright blues and greys, my hair under a long, black wig that reached to my waist. My heart was pounding, just like it did before every performance. However, it was never stage fright. I loved the feeling of the hot, white spotlight, the hundreds of children sitting on the edges of their seats. I cherished the feeling of excitement that welled up in my throat as the overture swelled, the bass vibrating beneath my feet. I was in love with theater, and I poured my heart and time into every performance we gave. This performance was no exception. I was in a production of The Chronicles of Narnia- The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. After being cast as the female lead- The White Witch- I had spent hours of dedicated preparation for the part.
Since the first day I showed up in Mr. Falch’s classroom in the eighth grade, I’ve been in the technical aspect of theatre, more commonly referred to as “behind the scenes”. Mr. Falch is a big guy, both tall and a little bit wide; he could pass as Santa Claus if he dyed his hair white. He has a booming voice, like the announcer at a wrestling match, hanging mic and all. He can look a little intimidating at first, but in reality, Mr. Falch is a giant teddy bear (except when angry), successfully earning him the nickname of “Papa Falch.” I was welcomed into his classroom, and there was no hesitation in immediately putting me to work. The show the theatre class was doing at that time was A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and working in that tiny classroom on different tasks glued me to theatre, and the end result made me never want to leave. My main focus, as a volunteer, were props. I cut set pieces out of foam sheets bigger than I was, which made an awful stench like burning rubber, but I managed to create some not-so-perfect additions to the set. I