Name: William Wrightstone

Class Rank: Senior

Major and Minor: Theatre Design and Technology

Why did you choose to attend WVU?

I originally chose to attend WVU for the engineering program, but after two years in the program I felt very unhappy with the direction of my life. I yearned for a more creative outlet. One day while exploring the WVU Evansdale campus I wondered into the Creative Arts Center which is where I stumbled upon Mary McClung and the puppetry department. I've always had a love for puppets and creature design but it was nothing I ever considered actually doing. One semester I found myself so depressed and upset with my scholastic path that I chose to take a leap of faith and I dropped my program entirely and I started in my Theatre Design & Technology career building puppets and creatures. I have been happy ever since then building on my skill set and bringing technology and art together.

What do you like about your major and your WVU experience?

More then anything my favorite aspect of this program is how dynamic it is and the ability to tailor it to the individual student. Thanks to the faculty here I have been able to take different knowledges, from building techniques in the stage craft and automation classes and combine it with techniques learned in puppetry construction and advanced makeup classes to create animatronic puppets and other creatures on stage.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering attending WVU’s College of Creative Arts?

My advice to anyone considering attending this program is to not be too afraid to reach out to the faculty. The faculty here are some of the most caring and helpful teachers i have ever had. If this is something that truly interests you then go for it. You wont regret it.