Major:
BFA Theatre Design & Tech.
Hometown:
Rainelle, WV
Why did you choose to attend WVU?
It has the best theatre program in the state.
What is your profession now?
Puppet and Mascot Fabrication at CJS Workshop, which includes but is not limited to Stitching, Sculpting, Mold Making and Casting, and Designing. I use the skills I learned from college every day in my field of work.
What is your most interesting current/upcoming project?
IAAPA 2024, I have designed the puppets for the CJS WORKSHOP booth. I am the only fabricator on the team to be given the opportunity to design for the shop as a non-Core member. Had I not gone to WVU I don't believe I would have been prepared to deal with the high demand of clients, as well as collaborate with other designers quite to the level that is needed for this field.
How do you feel WVU and the College of Creative Arts prepared you for your career?
Had I not had the opportunity presented by the school and staff I would not have been prepared in any way for my career path. Prior to attending WVU, I had little confidence or experience in anything outside of stitching. Thanks to professors like Mary McClung and programs like Costume Design and Puppetry, I now have sculpting, mold-making, casting, and design skills, and can confidently direct a team of workers through a project.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming or current students in WVU's College of Creative Arts, what would it be?
Know what you want to get out of the program, and don't be afraid to take the first steps in asking to work on a project. If you are there to complete your classes and get out as soon as possible you're not going to get everything you can out of the program or classes. I've seen people take the same classes I have, from the same starting place experience-wise, and waste 4 years' worth of opportunity for doing the bare minimum. Had they only asked to work on certain shows, or talked to teachers about working on certain projects they would have excelled like myself and others. Very rarely does a program give the building blocks that truly prepare you for what your field of work will require, but the TD&T program does that, and the staff goes above and beyond to prepare you.