Student Blogger: Hope Orban

Before we give in to those who doubt us, and believe our paths will lead to many heartbreaks, I hope that we can all disregard these negative premonitions and realize our collective ability to help and recreate this industry so it will continue on, in the immediate future and far beyond.

Looking back on this experience, I have learned a considerable amount  about myself as a writer, theatremaker, and student. However, I am most surprised by how this experience has reignited my love of casual writing, along with just how deeply it has aided in personal reflection as an artist.

In order for there to be a true appreciation for the amount of labor that goes into creating a show, theatre students must understand each element of the work required to put it on. The immense amounts effort put in by technical shop workers can often go overlooked; their tireless work not fully understood by others involved in the production. For respect and cohesion, I believe that it is important for every theatre student to spend time working in technical shops. 

While there is nothing wrong with simple, indifferent enjoyment of a performance, I want to challenge myself to find ways to actively engage with the content I am viewing. A critical lesson I have learned from my own producing experience is that, if I am not tuned in to the small details, it’s impossible to fully grasp the messages and concepts put forth by the director. Enjoying and learning from a show are two connected but different processes; I want to challenge myself to combine these experiences, finding pleasure in both.

Ultimately, this experience proved something very important to me: Theatre that challenges us helps us grow. After seeing GATZ, ideas about how to increase immersion and stretch the limits of my own theatrical work continue to spark. This show proved to me that, with a strong directorial concept and careful creation, an audience can be enraptured for the length of an entire novel.

Ultimately, designing has made me a better producer. As someone primarily interested in arts management, producing is my main focus. However, after stepping into the shoes of a designer, I can now better anticipate the needs of my creative team. It has expanded my versatility and allowed me to engage with projects from multiple angles.

A musical entitled Urinetown is an immediate attention grabber.

Staying motivated as an artist is incredibly challenging. It’s easy to get discouraged as an artist; we are plagued by burnout, lack of inspiration, and frustration.