“I was initially drawn to Gustavus because of the opportunities to work both onstage and backstage. As I got more experience, I was drawn to stage management and assistant stage management because I was able to view the full scope of the process, and found joy in taking on a leadership role within the department. As a sophomore, I got the opportunity to stage manage a large scale musical because the director and faculty believed in me, and I got the support I needed throughout, and this experience wouldn’t have been possible at another institution. However, my favorite part of my education at Gustavus was the guest directors, professional theatre artists that came from across the country to our little home on the hill to make some fantastic theatre with fantastic students. Those are the experiences I will hold close with me as I transition into professional theatre work.”