Student Blog: Seeing the Bigger Picture

Honestly, I never expected that writing about theatre would change the way I see it, or myself, as much as it has. BFA programs can be incredibly overwhelming, and after a particularly challenging year, I found that writing helped me step back and focus on the positives. Instead of getting caught up in stress, overwhelm, or comparison, writing really helped me look at theatre and life from a wider perspective and appreciate the artistry, experience, and emotion behind it.

This year, I was really struck by how reflective the writing process can be. Writing about different experiences or even just about my everyday life allows me to slow down and think more deeply about why certain moments resonate with me. It has made my days feel less overwhelming and really helps me reconnect with the joy. I've always loved writing, and I have often found it a good way to decompress. Whether that's journaling, jotting down thoughts in my notes app, or sitting down to write a blog, writing helps me to get my thoughts out instead of letting them ruminate too much in my head. When I start writing, I don't feel pressure to “get it done” or check a box, I do it at my own pace and let my thoughts develop over time. It feels very true to me, because my life and my thoughts aren't linear, and the way I express myself doesn't have to be either. Writing about what I love reminds me to notice the beauty around me and to hold onto that joy, even on the hard days.

I also love writing so much because I feel like it has given me a new creative outlet I have been needing. I obviously love going to school for theatre, but when it's something I do every single day, along with assignments, performances, class, and more, it feels like I need a creative space outside of that. Training every single day at school can get stressful, but when I'm able to turn that overwhelm into something new through writing, it feels deeply rewarding. Writing has not only encouraged me to step outside my school bubble, but also allowed me to dig deeper. I’m able to share my thoughts, talk to more people, reflect more, and feel like I can openly express myself in a creative space without worrying about a grade being attached to it. It allows for an open conversation beyond a performance, where there's not one right answer, but rather a million different perspectives that are all equally important. Writing about theatre helped me stop viewing it only as something I had to succeed in and start appreciating it more as something I’m deeply passionate about.

Looking back at this year, I realize how much writing has helped me to reconnect with myself. By reflecting on my experiences and sharing them, I’ve found new meaning in familiar places and excitement for what lies ahead. It’s a huge reminder for me that sometimes, stepping away from the stage and onto the page is exactly what I needed to see my passions in a new light.