1. Where did you move from to attend the UO? And, briefly describe how you landed on the UO AAD program. Any interesting, funny, anecdotal stories/details are welcome.

While many people travel from all over to attend the University of Oregon, I have the rare distinction to be a Native of Eugene/Springfield, OR.  My travelling is less glamorous than my counterparts, but how I ended up in the AAD program is a bit of a story, so hang on.

After completing my Bachelors of Arts – Theatre Arts degree from Portland State University in 2005, I returned back to Eugene and started working part-time until I landed a full-time job in 2007.  I have always had the dream of becoming the World’s Greatest Stage Manager (still do) but having access to the resources and education needed to move up the ladder in stage management was proving to be a challenge while working 40hrs/wk and not having received formal stage management training as an undergrad.  I did attempt to apply to two East Coast universities in 2010, during a conference in Chicago, but their answers were basically “no.”  I was very disappointed as I felt I had the qualifications to be taught how to be a stage manager but it was made apparent I needed to have been an undergrad in their programs first to then be in their graduate level programs.

Then, in September 2011, my friend Tara Wibrew (AAD class of 2013) informed me of a program she was going into at the University of Oregon.  She said Arts & Administration and I began to wonder what it would entail and I would ask her more as she moved through the program.  In March of 2013, I got handed my “do it now or never” card when I was told I was an unhappy person.  Sure, my job paid me well but I was not truly happy since I was not doing theatre, not pursuing my passion and feeding my soul.  I then started to research the AAD program, saw there were openings available for the 2013/2014 year, and on July 11, 2013 I met with Tina Rinaldi for an informational interview.

She looked at my portfolio, the same one I took to Chicago, and I saw how professional and personable she was and that she enjoyed the pictures.  At the end of the interview, she said, “You would be a good fit here.”  OMG!!!!!!  A YES!!  I got a YES!!!  This was the day before my birthday and I could not have been more excited about anything in a long time!  (Look whose gonna be happy now!!!)

I decided to wait and apply for the 2014/2015 year as I would have had 4 weeks to gather all of the necessary items for my application and I did not want to have to slap something together and have it looked rushed.  Plus, I was a very integral part of my workplace and leaving them in the lurch did not sit well with me.  So I applied last fall and in March I got my acceptance letter.  I counted down the days, gave notice, and am now here ready to absorb all that I can to become something I would have never pictured for myself.  I am surrounded by amazing faculty, students, and my friends and family are super supportive, so I know I am on the right path.  The right path to World’s Greatest Arts Admin?  Sure!  World’s Greatest Stage Manager.  We shall see….

2. Area of concentration in AAD?

Performing Arts/Arts in Healthcare (really curious about all of the concentrations).

3. Describe your knowledge and use of technology systems. Responses should include the following:

• Computer platform you use (Mac, PC, Linux, other):  PC, yes.  Mac, very rusty.
• Smart phones, tablets, other hand held/smart devices:  Smart phone, yes.  Tablet, yes.  Both are Android based.
• Digital Cameras, Video, Audio devices:  I have an Olympus digital camera with a video recorder.
• Peripherals – printers, scanners, other necessary and/or cool gadgets: I can use printers, scanners, fax machines, and laminators!

4. What software do you commonly use? Briefly describe purpose/application for software on your list.

I use Microsoft as the operating system on my PC and Android operating systems on my phone and tablet.  I may also use Adobe PDF to view documents and Google Drive to create and save documents.  I generally use web browsers like Chrome and Firefox for research and entertainment.  I also have Steam for games, which I do not play.

5. Do you have any graphic design or media production/management experience? Have you taken any graphic design or media production courses?

No graphic design experience but I am a content contributor to the Free Shakespeare in the Park Facebook page.

6. Know anything about typography?

I know they can be called fonts and they are used for marketing or printing.

7. Do you use Web 2.0 apps? Name those that you use or are familiar with.

What is Web 2.0?

8. Do you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine, Yelp, etc.)? Name those that you engage in.

I have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Foursquare, and Pinterest.

9. Tell me something unique about yourself.

I have a tattoo on my left wrist.  It comes from the Free Shakespeare in the Park logo.

10. Anything else?

We have gonna have so much fun once I figure out how to use Macs!!!