BWW Features: Rachel Black: The exception that proves the rule

Majoring in Theatre is a bold decision. Committing four formative years and thousands of dollars ought to pay off. College costs have increased exponentially, and (STEM) science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors seem to be the only sought after grads these days. This is why, according to The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, only 8% of today's college students are majoring in humanities.

I have heard people say that college students should be vocationally oriented. Practical advice, until we stop to consider that the word: vocation hails from the Latin verb vocare which means to call. One's calling is sacred, not monetary. Lofty thought, but even back when I was getting my sheepskin, Madonna was busy reminding us that "we are living in a material world."

So what should a young person do if they are called to a major where the odds of making a living are against them? If they're studying Theatre, they need to find an exceptional professor like Rachel Black. Not only is she a talented and dedicated teacher, but her industry experience, tenacity and connections make her a spectacular professional resource.

In addition to teaching in the Department of Theatre and Dance at The University of Memphis, Rachel is a sought after performer who can be seen onstage in various parts of the country during school vacations. (I saw her perform in Manhattan last December in CHRISTMASS WRAPPINGS. The summer before, she was at The Shenandoah Summer Music Theater in Virginia as Domina in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM.) Rachel quit performing and moved from New York to Memphis in 2012 as a lifestyle choice. In addition to being passionate about performing and teaching, she is also a champion equestrian. Moving to Memphis meant she could again own a horse.

This spring another milestone in Rachel's life is fast approaching. On Commencement Day (May 7th, 2016), the students who took their very first college classes from her will graduate. I caught up with Rachel to discuss her role in helping those students bridge the gap between college and career last February at the UPTAs (United Professional Theatre Auditions.)

We met at The Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Memphis during the first phase of callbacks. She was holding down a large corner table. She had already been there for hours, and had hours to go. She was the only one there from her department. A tray of gourmet deviled eggs sat on the table, "Have one," she said. "They're delicious! I keep ordering more. My kids need protein." When pressed, she admitted that the UPTA night expenses were out of her own pocket. "I put a little money aside for this throughout the year," she explained. "It's a labor of love."

Rachel's table felt like Grand Central Station --frequented not only by hopefuls for whom it was "home base" between auditions, but also by professionals who'd known her for years. One of the most dynamic people who sat down to visit was Amber R. Burgess, Artistic Director of the The Round Barn Theatre at Amish Acres in Indiana. It was then that I learned she and Rachel quickly pulled together a professional audition workshop for University of Memphis underclassmen.

Rachel reached out to Amber, a former castmate, who said she ordinarily wouldn't visit a college, but in this case would make an exception. A room and an accompanist were quickly secured, then word was sent out across campus. Amber was not to see any students she'd be auditioning at UPTAs as this was to be a separate opportunity for students who were farther from graduation. That particular audition workshop resulted in one student, Aaron Gilmer, being hired for the upcoming summer.

Amber saw the underclassmen sing and perform a short monologue. She then offered feedback on everything from their headshots and resumes to their choice of material to the nuances of their presentation. "The headshots and resumes . . . " Amber recalled smiling. "That was the most adorable part of the day. This is was possibly the first time some of these students had ever handed a casting director a headshot and resume, and so many of them had small things that weren't up to industry standard -- such as the size and formatting. So even that first act of handing the resume to someone who could hire them was something I had the opportunity to teach." Amber went on to say that she also addressed the the way the students slated. "Actors often underestimate how important getting this right is because they do it so often," she said. "You want to present yourself at your most ideal -- as person they want to cast." She then added, "I know those students are going to take that advice from me, and it will help them. I don't have the chance to do that for the people I'm seeing here at UPTA."

"It would be cool," Rachel said to Amber. "If we could do this every year. Like somebody has you as a freshman and then a sophomore and then junior year . . . ."

"That's an exciting prospect," Amber said. "To see how they grow. I found so much fulfillment and value in this that I hope we continue to do this year after year."

Amber's unflagging energy led me to ask the obvious question: "How many people have you seen today?"

"This is the first day of UPTAs," she said. "We saw 108 today."

Rachel interjected, "One reason I'm here is that time crunch. If one of my students finds they're in any sort of logistical bind, they can text me, and I'll help them out."

Before I can ask another question, a tired student edges into the booth. "How'd it go?" Rachel asks.

Through their conversation I learn that Rachel also set up a pre-UPTA master class with Matt Dengler, (A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, THE VISIT). Rachel and Matt had performed together in 2007.

The next day I contacted Matt who explained, "Rachel wanted her students to hear from someone who had made the transition from college theatre major to working as an actor in New York City. We coached each student in their private lessons and held a mock-audition master class where they had a chance to present their UPTA/SETC (Southeastern Theatre Conference) material as if it were an audition." He continued, "The process I think was very helpful for the students and incredibly rewarding for me. It's a great way to cut your teeth at auditioning and if you're hired it allows you to continue honing your craft. Rachel knows this firsthand. They are all very lucky to have her as a professor!"

I checked with several of her current and former students; they seem to agree.

"Rachel teaches her students singing techniques," Maggie Robinson told me. "But beyond that, she sees more in us than we often see in ourselves and encourages us to love what we sing. Her learning environment is compassionate and demanding. . . a unique experience for all of us. I consider her both a life changing educator and friend."

2015 gradate Audrey Smith said, "Rachel's connections in the professional industry helped get me hired at Lees-McRae Summer Theatre last year. Not to mention the UPTAs," she adds. "She stayed until the end to guard our stuff, coach us in between callbacks, and celebrate with us when the long day was over!"

Lucas Heffner, who also graduated last year concurred. "Rachel went above and beyond her responsibility as a teacher. She wanted to be there for her students. Even today I still contact her when I receive job offers because of how much I value her advice."

After hearing all of this from others, I decided to add my own personal story, which I hadn't planned to include, but now can't bring myself to leave out:

Three years ago I came to Rachel Black after having taken a 20-year hiatus from performing in order to raise my daughters. I wasn't sure I would ever feel capable of getting onstage again. Now -- nine plays and three on-camera projects later I can say studying with Rachel was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I didn't rely on her connections, but no one else could have coaxed the best out of me in such a short time.

As the poet, Alexander Pope once said, "Act well your part, there all the honor lies." As a teacher, Rachel Black exemplifies those words of wisdom.

Employment statistics tell students not to pursue acting. Rachel Black tells them if there's nothing else that can possibly make them happy, they should go for it. Then she proceeds to empower them. In that, she is the exception that proves the rule.

Here's to the graduating class of 2016 . . . and to their best mentor and biggest champion!

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