Student Blog: Breaking the Box

One of the most frequent questions I was asked as a child was “what do you want to be when you grow up?” I used to have an immediate answer–from teacher to reporter to anyone famous–but as I aged, I dreaded the question. I loved so many things, and I was scared to commit to one career path, abandoning all else. This indecision and desire to do everything discouraged me from a collegiate theatre major (I was under the impression that it would dramatically narrow my future prospects). I entered college as a Politics and Communications double major. A magnet seemed to be drawing me back to theatre, however, so I switched my Communications major for Theatre within the first month. 

I’ve been performing since I was five, so I expected to continue doing so. Instead, my theatre major has led me towards the technical side of theatre. I honestly assumed I would “pay my dues” in tech and then transfer to the stage. However, I was surprised as my interests began to shift. It occurred naturally; more opportunities arose in tech than in performing, and I seized each one in an effort to be heavily involved. Bit by bit, I fell in love with this new side of theatre.  

A big turning point in my technical theatre journey occurred in February of this year, when I worked as the assistant stage manager for a professional workshop at my university. The director (who was also an actor, playwright, and designer) showed me that I don’t have to choose one specialty within theatre. I can always be learning and creating and trying new things. He taught me that choosing tech over performing doesn’t ruin all performance opportunities; it just opens more doors in theatre!

Currently, at my summer internship, I’m meeting so many incredible artists who continually show me the vast opportunities in the theatre industry and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. One friend works as an Off-Broadway by-contract tech employee (he has the flexibility to choose gigs that best fit his life and schedule). Another is currently transitioning away from a full time career in engineering towards something more artistically fulfilling. Another works in various roles–from actor to director to programmer–and is constantly dreaming of bigger and better things. Each new friend teaches me about potential positions I could one day hold and encourages me to do what I love (even though it can be difficult).

The world tries to force us to create a box for ourselves. We are constantly asked for detailed 10 year plans and specific job aspirations. I encourage you (and myself) to break free of this constraint. I might not have an answer to the question “what do you want to be when you grow up,” but I’m realizing I can find excitement and peace in that uncertainty. I’m learning I can do lots of things, and I should do lots of things! I can’t wait to see what new skills I learn and where my winding path of life will lead me. 

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