A Creative Mindset

Transcript

It’s time to head over to the Robert E. Will Theater where we’ll meet senior, Alana. Alana’s always been in love with the theater and has dreams to be on Broadway. She is getting that foundation at URI through her work in the classroom, outside of the classroom, and research experience at this major research institution. Students at URI are able to pursue their dreams whether that be in STEM programs, business, education, or the arts. No student’s dream is too big or small. URI students can literally do it all. Let’s head over to Alana and learn more about her story.

– Thanks, Alex. My time at URI has been anything but traditional, which is only fitting with my major in theater and my passion for the performing arts. As a theater major, I love to flex my creativity both on and off stage. Lots of people with peers and professors have helped me to progress with my talents in ways I never could have imagined. My URI 101 professor, David Howard who is the chair of the theater department is my biggest supporter and cheerleader. He’s there for me with opportunities, encouragement, and advice to keep me going. Rachel Walshe, one of my directing professors always reminds me to shoot for the stars. She encouraged me to apply for one of the most incredible experiences I had at URI, which was a week-long regional theater competition, the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, KCACTF. Through KCACTF, I competed in a leadership program entitled ASPIRE. During my time in ASPIRE, I met amazing creative artists just like me, and created my own season of plays. My season of plays was entitled Black History Year, and consisted of a series of plays all from black playwrights that followed American history through the black perspective in order to further unify black history as American history. This is a passion of mine due to the lack of representation of black playwrights that I’ve experienced within my own life. I became a finalist for ASPIRE and most importantly, this experience inspired me to keep fighting for equity and inclusion in theater. Beyond researching and creating, I was able to showcase my performing skills in the spring of 2021 as the lead in our production of “Miss Nelson is Missing!” This was such a special experience since we were able to record the production and then stream it to over 450 classrooms, nevermind our friends and family who watched it from home, making our largest audience at URI. During these challenging and uncertain times, the arts aren’t always prioritized. Through URI theater, we were able to come together as a community and use the arts to lift people up. I can’t help but think that if it was not for the amazing people and experiences I had at URI, I would not be the same person I am today telling you this story. So thank you for letting me share my story with you. That’s a wrap, Alex.

– Thanks, Alana. You are so talented and really set the stage on fire. Hearing about your experience at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival was awesome. Being able to put all the skills you learned from your professors and classmates into action really paid off. It’s clear that your research is making a big, big impact. I know we’ll see you on Broadway one day soon. Take care.