VPA Student Spotlight: Dollcie Webb

Dollcie Webb is a Sophomore at Michigan Tech majoring in Theatre and Electronic Media Performance

1. Why did you choose to major Theatre and Electronic Media Performance?

 I chose to become an actress because I couldn’t see myself doing something else and still being happy with that path. It was a last minute, rash decision that I credit Roger Held, Patricia Helsel, Jared Anderson, and Chris Plummer for. The summer before my senior year of high school, I had applied to NMU, Carthage, and a local community college for business management with a minor in music. Then I applied to Michigan Tech to appease my family. It was the absolute last place on earth I wanted to go, being a 35 minute drive from home. They figured since I did well in math and excelled in science throughout high school, I would be doing myself a favor if I chose a path that bordered along engineering. When high school started up again I began receiving acceptance letters. This left me even more confused than I had been when applying to college. Next I had to choose one and go! But how was I supposed to do that? Which one would be the best for me? Which school would take me in the direction I wanted to go? What was the direction I wanted to go in? I was lost and so I sat and waited. I refused to make a decision until either a) the last minute or b) something profound happened to help me with my decision. Thankfully the latter happened long before the former. I ended up changing my major before I walked onto campus freshman year.

2.  What has been your favorite part of working in Theatre and Electronic Media Performance?
Getting to fly and creating my own commercials, acting in radio dramas and recording audio books. If I had to choose, those would be the things I pick. I love learning new skills and getting to utilize them in significant ways.

3.  What is the most important thing you have learned in your major?

It’s difficult to say. I've learned so much since I first started and every day I’m here I learn something new. When I started, I had no idea what I was in for. I never thought that I would ever get to fly. Last year I got to fly. This coming semester I’m going to learn silks. So I mean, it’s hard to narrow it down on what the most “important” thing is.

4.  What inspires you?

Many of my peers inspire me. Watching them grow, face obstacles and overcome them encourages me. The metamorphosis that we undergo through the course of our college careers is reminiscent of the rehearsal process of putting a show together. We fine tune our skills and find new ones we didn't know we had possessed. Watching the people around me transform motivates me to evaluate myself to see how I've changed this last year and a half. It also makes me look forward to the coming years and what changes they will bring.

5.  What are your goals after graduation?

Oh goodness. My goal is to get into voiceover work for animated films. I've loved them since childhood and it would be something I would receive a lot of joy out of. I can’t think of anything more fun! I’ll probably move to a larger city to pursue stage acting but I’m going to stick close to voiceover work. I’m less concerned with the destination than I am of the journey itself. If I have my way it’ll be filled with all of the things I love.

6.  What advice would you give others hoping to major in Theatre and Electronic Media Performance?

Don’t hold back. If you’re convinced this is for you, then go for it! Give it your all so at the end of the day, as you lie in bed pondering all the things you've done, you know you've given it your best shot. I think that could be the worst thing: trying to fall asleep with “what if I’d done it this way?” or “I should've tried harder” running through your head. Your success is directly affected by your work effort. Your self-worth is directly affected by your actions or lack thereof. Two distinct, important concepts that you have control over.

VPA Student Spotlight: Joe Augustine

Joe Augustine is a senior majoring in Sound Design.  He also plays string bass in the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra.

1.  Why did you choose to major in Sound Design at Tech?

I chose Sound Design due to my interest in performing music and mixing sound. 

2.  What has been your favorite part of working in Sound Design?

I've enjoyed the variety of sound work in Sound Design. These projects go from Radio Dramas, to recording, to mixing musicals and other theatre shows.

 

3.  What is the most important thing you have learned in your major?

With focusing on working in the music industry, I've also learned sound techniques in other areas, such as theatre, and film. Learning as much as possible has been important to me, as it will make me more marketable in the future in case things don't work out in the music industry. 

4.  Tell us about your summer internship.

I actually was the house monitor engineer at Big Top Chautauqua, where The Beach Boys along with many other bands performed throughout the summer. I enjoyed the experience spending the last two summers at that venue. I got to talk with the crews for the bands that performed there and learned more about the music industry and how to get started in it as an audio engineer. 

5.  What inspires you?

My favorite bands inspire me as a goal to reach, to be able to work for them someday. Thanks to working at Big Top, I've already got to work with some of my favorite bands.

 

6.  What are your goals after graduation?

The plan so far is to go back to Big Top as that's where my contacts are. Big Top only runs for the summer so I'll also be looking for other work, either for the Winter months or year round.

7.  What advice would you give others hoping to major in Sound Design?

Keep your options with sound work. There are many different types of sound jobs and it's good to at least try each once. This major helps with that.  

VPA Student Spotlight: Kevin Rocheleau

Kevin Rocheleau is a Junior majoring in Physics and Applied Mathematics.  Despite the fact that he hasn't declared a major or a minor (yet) within the Visual & Performing Arts Department, he has been heavily involved in the arts on campus during his college career.  He currently performs with the Chamber Choir, KSO, Pep Band, and Wind Symphony, and performed in Fiddler on the Roof last Spring.

1. How does your participation in the arts enhance your experience as a Physics Student?

Its what I do for fun. Its how I get away from classes. I've made a lot of friends through the arts here at Tech

2. What is the most important thing you have learned from your arts experiences at Tech?

If you love to do something, even if you aren't going to major in it, continue to do it. I know I don't want music as my career, but it's an integral part to my life.

3. What inspires you?
In terms of the arts, it was always my older siblings. They were also in band and choir all through elementary and high school. In particular, I always wanted to be like my older brother. That's how I got into the arts, and I've loved it ever since.

4. What advice would you give to other Tech students who want to participate in the arts?

Go ahead and do it. It is definitely worth the extra time and effort. You’ll get to meet a lot of great people, and they are all there because they want to be.

VPA Student Spotlight: Jonah Mueller

1.  Why did you choose to major in Sound Design at Tech?

I love to compose music, and I'd say I got serious with it around 13.  Mostly it started with solo piano pieces, then branching out to guitar-orientated rock songs when I got my first electric guitar at 14. Naturally I wanted a method of preserving the sounds and songs I came up with, so I got an M-Audio FastTrack USB that came with Session, a multi-track digital audio program.  I was then able to get a full realization of what I was hearing in my head with many instruments.  I also soon realized that I loved the recording and mixing process as much as I love composing. So when the question "What do you want to do in college?" came up, I would say I want to be in the studio and become a skilled audio engineer. There aren't many schools with the degree in audio engineering, or the like, around where I live in Rochester, Minnesota, and I didn't want to go too far.  I found Michigan Tech by accident and noticed there was a Sound Design program. It seems a bit far away, but I saw and heard great things from Michigan Tech. So I applied, and, well, here I am!

2.  What has been your favorite part of working in Sound Design?

I remember using one of the computers in the music lab and having an instant jolt of excitement from all of the software and plugins that were at my fingertips. A lot of the stuff is really expensive, so it was fantastic to be able to utilize them all for project for class as well as projects at my own. I felt as though my creativity increased immensely with all of the options.

 

Another thing would be that I got involved with live and theatre setup, something I wouldn't normally do. I like that the program pushes me in all directions so I can see all the aspects and applications of sound design.

3.  What is the most important thing you have learned in your major?

In one class, I greatly improved my mixing and mastering abilities as it was basically a  "mixing bootcamp".  Every time we went over a new aspect of mixing, I went back to my previous personal projects and fixed them accordingly.  The improvement was amazing for all of my projects; they feel more legitimate, something I could actually use for a portfolio.  And from here on out, everything I do in Sound Design will have the foundation of everything I learned in this class.

4.  What inspires you?

The faculty.  Without them, I wouldn't be where I am right now, feeling confident in what I want to pursue.  Chris Plummer is a very knowledgeable teacher that I have learned a lot from in terms of sound design, not only from his lectures, but from his dedication to everything "sound".  Jared Anderson was my Music Theory I and II professor and my conductor for Concert Choir and currently my Chamber Choir conductor.  He is a brilliant man that I come to for any sort of composition troubles.  Libby Meyer, a composer herself, is someone I have also looked up to and hope to learn a lot from this year in Music Composition.  Really, everyone in the Visual Performing Arts Department, including the students, inspire me because of their honest enthusiasm of what they do.

5.  What are your goals after graduation?

At this point, I want to pursue a career in either film or video game scoring/composing/sound design. I am also interested in programming, so perhaps a career that is DSP, or digital signal processing, related.

6.  What advice would you give others hoping to major in Sound Design?

You can't go very far in this major if you don't love music or don't have intuition for creating.  And for those beginning to compose and create and for music in general: create to contribute, not to compete. It's all about the music.

VPA Graduate Spotlight: David Nichols

David Nichols is a Tech Graduate in Sound Design and makes his living dreaming up car sounds for video games.
He will be visiting campus in October to speak with current sound students.

1.  Tell me about your work since graduating from Tech.

 

I graduated in December of 2010, but couldn't find meaningful work. So I started my website, tracktimeaudio.com, where I could write about car sounds, and interview with people who work with car sounds, both because it was an outlet for my passion and also because I hoped it would find me a job. Luckily, in early August of 2012, it worked! Nicholas Wiswell, audio director at Turn 10 studios (the video game studio that makes the Forza Motorsport franchise) contacted me and asked if I wanted to help with their next project. I excitedly said yes and moved out to Seattle. My job consists of studying and recording car sounds and then reproducing them within the confines of the game, which sounds a lot easier than it is! But the hard work is very fun and seeing a product I've worked so hard on make it to the public has been the most rewarding part.

 

2.  Why did you choose to major in Sound Design at Tech?

 

I knew from a very early onset that I wanted to do something related to audio, because I was fascinated with sound and with recording. I played a number of instruments but never had the "knack" for composition or performance, but I really enjoyed playing drums because of all the fun and weird sounds I could make. I initially looked at Tech for the Audio Engineering degree, but after researching what sound design was (I had never heard of it at the time) I felt it was more in-line with what I enjoy. I'm very glad I did, too -- sound design is the perfect blend (for me) of technical know-how with artistic freedom that works well with my personality.

3.  What is the most important thing you learned while at Tech?

 

There are a great many important things I learned at Tech, and my apologies to the faculty but very few of them came directly from the classroom. I learned the importance of self-sufficienty and working interdependently; I learned that networking is the key to success (particularly in this industry), and I learned that following the things you are truly passionate about, while quite difficult and frustrating at times, is ultimately more satisfying. I've also learned that living minimally and being flexible is of great benefit in the long term, and to treat each day as a small adventure because you never know what you're going to learn by the end of it.

4.  What inspires you?

 

The beauty of inspiration is that you can't ever know in advance what will be inspiring as long as you're willing to allow things to be. That said, for me there's nothing quite as invigorating as the sound of an engine at full throttle - there are so many intricate details to the sound of a vehicle and all of them are unique, much like human voices. I also draw a lot of strength from my wife and my son who are always supportive of me.

5.  How have your experiences at Tech influenced your current work?

 

One of the things I've appreciated most about Mr. Plummer's philosophy is that he embraces not being a technical school in that he does not just teach techniques; he encourages creative thinking and problem solving and self-discovery as opposed to just showing how to do things in given software. That ability to approach sound as wanting a certain change and using creative thinking with the tools in front of me has proved infinitely valuable, and for that I am very grateful.

 

6.  What is the most amazing thing you have done since graduating?

 

I think the most amazing thing related to my major is a recording project I started that was funded via Kickstarter. I wanted to learn how to record a car in the way that video games often do so that I was prepared for work in that industry, but I knew I didn't have the money for equipment or for shop time to accomplish it. So, with some motivation from some of the wonderful people on the Twitter #gameaudio tag, I came up with the idea of a Kickstarter campaign. Once I had committed to the idea, I started talking to everyone I knew about it. After just a month I had raised all the money I needed, and enough extra to hire a film crew to document the process! The recording session came out pretty well and I learned infinitely more than I expected to from the process. 

(See David's Kickstarter campaign by clicking here.)

 

7. What would be your advice to students choosing to major in Sound Design at Michigan Tech?

Make sure you're coming into sound design because you live and breathe sound. The job market is, let's be honest, tough to get into because there's more people coming in than there are positions. That might mean you're going to have to make your own position, or be very patient, and either of those options will be rough if you're not doing this because you love it. Also, do your homework but don't forget to explore the many sights and sounds of the Keweenaw and the surrounding area. You can learn quite a bit bringing a handheld recorder with some friends on a road trip to Copper Harbor and back. Also remember that inspiration is everywhere, but you have to allow it to be.

VPA Graduate Spotlight: Bryan Thorne

Bryan Thorne is a recent Tech Graduate.  He graduated in Audio Production and Technology, with an emphasis area in Electrical Engineering Technology.

1.  Tell me about your work since graduating from Tech.

I spent a few months doing some very basic website management for a small financial news blog from Tennessee.  This experience made me remember how much I dislike working with computer code, and reminded me how much I really enjoy getting to work with audio equipment.  2 months ago I got hired by Bose Corporation and I am now a Validation Engineer with the Design Compliance Engineering department.  My official job title is Research and Development Engineer 1.  Nearly every day I just start smiling from how happy and excited I am to be using my skills and knowledge from my degree to help produce audio equipment.

2.  Why did you choose to major in Audio Production and Technology at Tech?

I initially was working towards an Electrical Engineering degree, but I quickly realized that I wanted a more hands on education and background.  I also had strong passion for audio systems and music, so when I learned about the Audio Production and Technology degree, I knew it would be the right fit for me.  I'm happy to say that this degree has brought me to a job that I enjoy.

3.  What is the most important thing you learned while at Tech?

Time management.  This has always been my weakest suit, but through the rapid-fire workloads and long hours in the VPA department, I feel that I developed this skill quite a lot through the last few years.  I'm starting to get some projects at work now, and I feel that the pace of working in a large company is something that I am fully capable of managing now.

4.  What inspires you?

The idea of endless possibilities.  Even on a small scale, every time you leave your house you are capable of going on an adventure.  I've seen so many people (myself included) that are frequently frozen by inaction.   The idea that all you have to do to have an incredible adventure is to take the first step is what inspires me to act.

“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

To me, that is an exciting quote, not a cautionary tale.

5.  How have your experiences at Tech influenced your current work?

Work in Audio Production, and the VPA as a whole has given me a diverse and well rounded background that is irreplaceable.  When working with a piece of audio equipment I'm able to look at it and interpret it in a wide variety of ways.  I can look at it and understand it on the circuit component level, as well as from the standpoint of a pro sound tech, or as a base level customer and music enthusiast.  I can also say that the deep cross-training is one of the biggest things that attracted my current employer.

6.  What is the most amazing thing you have done since graduating?

Finding my current job, pulling off the interview, and moving to Boston.  I'm also pretty proud that I towed a flat bed trailer behind a Uhaul truck all the way from Michigan the Massachusetts without any major incidents, when I'd never really towed anything before.

7. What would be your advice to students choosing to major in Audio Production and Technology at Michigan Tech?

Branch out and take opportunities to learn about as many of the areas of Audio or Theater that you can.  If you go in focused that you just want to do something like studio recording or theater sound, you may never learn that you have a passion or a knack for something else, like lighting design, or engineering, or composition.  Also, the benefit of having that well rounded background is something that I cannot stress enough.

VPA Student Spotlight: Kaylee Edwards

Kaylee Edwards is a Computer Science major who is minoring in visual arts.

1. Why did you choose to minor in Art at Tech?

I started drawing when I was about 12, and since then art has been a huge part of my life. Before college, I was only able to take one art class. By choosing to minor in Art, I hoped to gain knowledge I could never have learned by myself and really push myself to improve.

2. How does a minor in the arts enhance your experience as a Tech Computer Science student?

Creative thinking is something they don't teach in Computer Science. My art classes help teach me how to improvise and work things out on my own. Not only does it help me learn by broadening my mind, but it helps me think of ideas for side projects like games and other applications.

3. What is the most important thing you have learned from your art experiences at Tech?

I've learned quite a few things from my art classes. Of course, this includes the technical aspects of design. However, the most important thing I've learned is that I need to really free myself to make art. It's essential to try new things, whether it be painting with ink when you only use charcoal or drawing from life when you usually draw from imagination. If you stick to what you know, then you'll never know if there's something you like better.

4. What inspires you?

What inspires me changes from day to day. Sometimes it's a song, but other times it's a book, show, or movie. Most recently, I've been inspired by Germany, and I've been looking forward to going there this summer so I can paint some landscapes.

5. What are your goals for after graduation? How will your arts minor help you achieve those goals?

After I graduate I hope to find a job in the Lower Peninsula. My art minor will show that I can do more than just program. It will show that I am creative, which can help in program design and even problem solving. This should show potential employers that my entire education at Michigan Tech has made me a well-rounded person.

6. What advice would you give to other Tech students who want to participate in the arts?

I'd advise students to take a class. I know the art classes can fill up really fast, especially if you're a 1st year, but if you email the instructor then they might let you in anyway. Really, once you take that first class, you realize how welcoming and helpful the department is. You'll be able to really learn with the resources available as an art student.

VPA Student Spotlight: Ben Holtz

Ben Holtz is a senior double majoring in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and minoring in Music Composition.

1.  Why did you choose to minor in Music Composition at Tech?

I have always been compelled to make music, and have always felt compelled to create. Working with music that someone else created is wonderful, but it doesn’t quite satisfy the need for self expression. Choosing to minor in composition has allowed me to keep music a priority while studying engineering and helped me to sharpen the skills needed to better express through music.

2.  How does having a minor in the arts enhance your experience as a Tech engineering student?

In the long run, It has helped me achieve a much broader perspective on life as a young adult. It has helped to diversify the kinds of people I work with and the kinds of professors I learn from. From a day to day basis, it shakes things up. It would be very boring to have all engineering or all music classes by themselves. Pursuing a minor in music composition balances an engineering degree very nicely.

3.  What is the most important thing you have learned from participating in the arts at Tech?

In engineering studies, I’ve found functional things to be very boring if they are aesthetically lacking. In participating in the arts, I’ve found that all great aesthetics have to have function. These two concepts...function and aesthetic, are not mutually exclusive entities. 

4.    What inspires you?

People. And the crazy things they make.

5.  What are your goals for after graduation?   How will your experiences in music help you to achieve those goals?

Eventually, I hope to have a lifestyle in which practicality and functionality of Engineering combines seamlessly with creativity and serendipity of Art. Working with the composition minor has given me a taste of this; creating good music requires not all creativity and emotion, but also a functional understanding of how sound works in time and why. ‘Good aesthetic has function, and function without aesthetic is boring.’

6.  What advice would you give to other engineering students who want to participate in the arts?

Just go for it!       

Student Achievments: Lindsey Johns

Lindsey Johns, a senior in Sound Design, is presenting her work this week at the USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology) Conference in Milwaukee.

She applied for and was accepted to the juried Young Designers Forum which is mostly graduate students. This presentation is similar to a poster session although almost all displays are three dimensional and Lindsey's will require audio and possibly video playback due to the nature of her work. 

Only 15 applicants were selected for this honor, 3 of which are sound students.  This is an incredible opportunity for Lindsey to show her sound design work and network with industry professionals from around the country.

Congratulations, Lindsey!

VPA Graduate Spotlight: Laura Larsen

Laura Larsen graduated from Michigan Tech in December with a degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in theatre arts.  She was involved (as a cast member) in seven productions while at Tech, starting with Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in her first semester and ending with The Horror of H.P. Lovecraft in her last semester.

1.  Why did you choose to minor in Theatre Arts at Tech?

When it came time to choose what I wanted to do, I was very torn between doing something with math and science or in the arts.  In the end, I made the right decision for me to be a mechanical engineer but I was thrilled to find how much I loved the VPA department at Tech.  I was spending so much time there, and I realized how much more there was for me to learn about the different aspects of theatre, that I decided to become a minor.

2.  How did adding a minor in the arts enhance your experience as a Tech engineering student?

Adding the theatre arts minor was the best thing I could have done for my engineering studies because it allowed me to split my time between exercising either side of my brain.  When Mechanical Engineering courses were overwhelming, I could spend a few hours on theatre classes and come back to those other courses feeling more confident and refreshed.  Also, when you know more about a variety of subjects, you are able to approach any issues more creatively.  I am always amazed how much engineering and the arts lend insight to one another.

3.  What is the most important thing you learned from participating in theatre at Tech?

The most important thing I learned from theatre at Tech is how much I am truly capable of and that I should never doubt my abilities.  I became so many distinctly different characters and learned a lot about myself in participating in so many productions but more importantly, I learned that I could balance classes, homework, hours of rehearsal a night, and friends.  Not having to cut out any of those aspects, really enhanced the rest of my life and I never dreamed that I could be able to do it all.

4.  What inspires you?

I am inspired by the beauty and diversity of the people around me.  Everyone I meet has a different story to tell and they all find so many wonderful ways to be happy.  It is so inspiring to know that no matter what life hits me with, there will always be beauty and happiness to be found in the world.

5.  How will you use your theatre experience now that you have graduated and work as an engineer?   

I am working as a mechanical engineer but I hope to still remain involved in community theatre.  Even if I am not directly involved in a production, I will always use what I have learned from the arts: once you learn to work together and what you are personally capable of, with a little creativity, anything is possible.

6.  What advice would you give to other engineering students who want to participate in the arts?

To other engineering students, I would say there is no reason to think you can't participate in the arts; I have seen every type of person benefit from even minimal experience.  You may be forced out of your comfort zone, but that is quite possibly the best thing you can do for yourself because only then you will find out who you truly are and what you are capable of.

VPA Student Spotlight: John Watza

Photo by Lara Neves

John Watza recently earned an Honorable Mention at KC-ACTF (Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival) for his Sound Design Project of Shakespear's "Twelfth Night."

1.  Why did you choose to major in Sound Design at Tech?

I knew I wanted to go into music and specifically Sound Design because I wanted to learn the technical as well as the artistic side to music.  From a college fair I learned that Michigan Tech had a Sound Design program and I came to visit and really liked what I saw.  I also love snow and Michigan Tech sure has snow.

2.  What has been your favorite part of working in Sound Design?

Being able to collaborate with other creative students, whether its making radio dramas or composing music for a play, it is a lot of fun to work as a part of a team to create something bigger than you could have done by yourself.  It's always exciting to see a big project come together.

3.  What is the most important thing you have learned in your major?

Designing Sound is about telling a story or creating an emotion and there are countless ways to use sound to tell whatever story needs to be told, or create whatever emotion that needs to be created.

4.  What inspires you?

I love music and I love movies, that's why I chose to go into this field.  I also find working with a group of people on a project to be very inspiring because everyone is trying to create something and collaborating together which is a great atmosphere for creativity.

5.  What are your goals after graduation?

I want to work on movies, I really love composing music and to be able to do that for film is my goal for the future.  

6.  What advice would you give others hoping to major in Sound Design?

Work hard at learning as much as you can.  Listen to everything, music, movies, everyday sounds--just listen.  Networking is huge, make as many contacts as you can and always be looking for opportunities.

Student Achievments: Katy Ellenich, Elizabeth LaRouche, and Morgan Nelson

Katy, Morgan, and Liz in the costume shop--their home away from home.

Three VPA students will be presenting at the USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology) Conference in March 2013

Elizabeth LaRouche, Katy Ellenich, & Morgan Nelson have each had their abstracts accepted for the USITT Costume Design & Technology Commission's Poster Session to be presented at the USITT Conference in Milwaukee, March of 2013.

This poster session is a professional session comprised mostly of faculty and professional costume designers and technicians. All entries were blind juried so it was not known by the jurors that these students were all from Michigan Tech, nor that they were students at all!

This is Elizabeth's second year in a row, a rarity. Also, never has a single institution had as great a representation in the session in its 18-year history.

Congratulations, Elizabeth, Katy, & Morgan!

VPA Student Spotlight: Paige Borel

Meet Paige Borel, a senior majoring in Theatre and Electronic Media Performance.

Photo by Lara Neves

1.  Why did you choose to major in Theatre and Electronic Media Performance at Tech?  

I chose to major in Theatre and Electronic Media Performance at Michigan Tech because I fell in love with every aspect of the Visual and Performing Arts Department. I love the small class sizes, it provides me with one on one feedback and attention from professors. The professors and faculty are truly here to help you succeed. They want to watch you grow. My fellow peers within the department are supportive of each other's work, always willing to help, and we always have fun whether in class or rehearsal.

2.  What has been your favorite part of being in the theatre division at Tech?

My favorite aspect of the theatre division at Michigan Tech is that I have been able to participate in extensive performer flying training, which is truly unique for undergraduate programs.

3.  What is the most important thing you have learned in your major?

The most important lesson I have learned in my major so far is to let go and be myself. No one else can be me and that is unique!

4.  What inspires you?

Music is my number one inspiration. I am a movement oriented performer and music helps me to develop movement and attitude for a character. 

5.  What are your goals after graduation?

My goals after graduation include moving to Chicago or New York to begin auditioning for theatre companies, cruise line theatre companies, Broadway. I am also interested in being cast in shows as an aerial acrobat.

6.  What advice would you give others hoping to major in Theatre and Electronic Media Performance?

My advice to future Theatre Performance majors is to be fearless. If this is your true passion in life, don't be swayed by other's opinions not to pursue this. I always believe that if you want something greatly, you will do anything to achieve it. And most importantly, be yourself!