Performing Arts

Transcript

Salt Lake City is a hub for filmmakers, ballet dancers, and actors. Not to be out done by their professional peers, the students at the University of Utah are exceptional artists. I want you to meet T Pullen from Kentucky. They are a senior majoring in musical theater and minoring in photography. What’s going on stage and in the dark room T?

– Hello, beautiful souls. As a queer child, growing up in a small conservative town, I really learned the importance of dancing to the beat of your own drum, no matter what other people might think. Because of that, I marched 1200 miles to Utah to choreograph the dance of a lifetime, college. The department of theater is truly a remarkable place to embody a fierce expression of your eccentric self and see a metamorphosis in the world around you. Living and learning in a space that’s incredibly inclusive has allowed me to transform into a brighter, bolder and braver student, musical theater performer and human. I’ve sponged up countless opportunities because of this program. Performing in multiple stage productions with some brilliant people, I made some really special connections with. Invaluable leadership, working for the department of theater through work study, both helping me pay for tuition and gain vital experience. Being privileged to serve as the SAC collective representative, which is a student run organization dedicated to advocating for our peers through bonding, community service, and calls to action for change and pre-professional experience. I’ll be performing in Salt Lakes professional theater, this December, and doing an internship with them in the spring all before I’m done with college with some of my best friends. Every day is unique at The U. Because the musical theater program is newer, they’re constantly experimenting with masterclasses, workshops and performances. Our department is currently tackling tough conversations like inequity and representation in theater, and launching a season of new and inclusive plays, musicals and collaborative projects. And by 2023, U theater students will be getting standing ovations in a brand new, state of the art theater space. Learning to dance through life is a process. And because of The U, I’m confident I can choreograph through the challenges and celebrations of life. Let’s see your moves, Alex.

– I’m sure my moves have nothing on yours, T. Maybe mine might make the blooper reel. Thanks for sharing the opportunity U provides artists to both showcase their art and to delve into the history and theoretical frameworks that are just behind the scenes. Break a leg out there T, thanks again for that.