Major: Theatre – Stage Management concentration
Hometown: Queensbury, NY
What makes the College of Arts and Sciences at URI unique?
The University of Rhode Island provides access to resources and exceptional faculty to the 17,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs across all colleges on campus. Those studying within the College of Arts and Sciences can combine this access with the additional benefits that come from being apart of the close knit community of their department. A department’s small class sizes not only encourage strong professor-student relationships, but also create an environment where the students can better their skills from firsthand experience. Professors at the URI Theatre department exceed at making themselves available for their students and to see this one would only have to step inside the Fine Arts Center. Scattered everywhere are pockets of professors and students holding discussions, having meetings, or collaborating on a project. It truly ‘takes a village’ for a production to reach opening night — every member of the theatre department is an integral part of every show. The camaraderie that comes from working all hours of the day side by side with your faculty and fellow peers is unmatched and a student’s department can become their second home.
What accomplishments and/or activities are you most proud of doing while at URI?
I have had the privilege to stage manage at a variety community and collegiate theaters during my time at University of Rhode Island. The most challenging, and ultimately most rewarding production I have stage managed was URI’s production of A Little Night Music in the Spring of 2019. I oversaw and coordinated 65 different personnel, including actors, crews, and designers. This was my first show as a stage manager and there were no shortages of obstacles — from leaks on set to emergency cello purchases to cast wide outbreaks of illnesses. It demanded everything from me and forced me to push myself further in every area of my life. Some days it felt like I made every mistake, but I kept pushing myself to learn and adapt. It’s because of this experience that I now know what I am truly capable of. Opening night, watching the actors take their bows to the applause of a full house, I have never felt more proud.
What research projects, internships, and/or study abroad programs did you participate in at URI? How did they enhance your education?
Through the URI Theatre department, I have been able to work for the TEDx franchise, OUTLOUD Theatre Company, and PVD Fringe Festival. Working as an assistant stage manager for 2018’s TEDxURI exposed me to the television/film side of stage management. I was able to learn about stage management as a part of an entirely different process. Similarly, when I worked for PVD Fringe Fest, I was able to stage manage non-traditional stage performances. This included dance recitals, improv shows, and trapeze acts. It opened my eyes to a world of possibilities for me in addition to theatre. I gained firsthand experience with the unique responsibilities, challenges, and technologies associated with each new facet I was introduced to. It is encouraging to see how applicable my stage management skills are throughout the entertainment industry and it is reassuring to be able to enter the job market knowing I enjoy managing a variety of performing arts.
What do you value about your liberal arts education?
What I value most about my liberal arts education is how it focuses on developing my critical thinking as well as my skillset. There is a wide breadth of options within a liberal arts education that allows someone like myself to explore while still being challenged and given opportunities to grow. At the University of Rhode Island Theatre department, the Bachelor of Fine Arts program provides me with the intense, conservatory-like experiences but is still flexible enough for me to investigate other interests if they arise. The firsthand experience I gained from my liberal arts education will continue to be invaluable. Working on URI Theatre’s productions has prepared me the most for my career. Stage management is a job that can vary drastically from one theatre to the next, even from one show to the next. It would be impossible to understand how to prepare for this and develop these skills from a classroom. It is integral that I am able to learn out in the field. The hands-on approach of a liberal arts education helps to strengthen my communication, problem solving, and leadership skills as well as trains me for my career.