Sooo, I’m an English/creative writing major. And a film/photography minor. But one of the wonderful things about Hollins is that you can pursue lots of interests, above and beyond your major and minor. For me, this year, that means THEATRE!!
I was really involved with theatre in high school, both acting and teching. However, in getting through all the requirements for my major, minor and leadership certificate, I haven’t been particular involved in theatre in college. Until this year.
Last semester, I took a Theatre Stagecrafts course and, as a part of the class, I volunteered to work run crew for the fall production of Dead Man’s Cell Phone, and I fell in love with theatre all over again! 
The crew for "Dead Man's Cell Phone"
This semester, I’ve been able to squeeze in two theatre shows! The spring musical Violet opened Wednesday night (and runs till Sunday) and is absolutely fantastic. They were a short of crew, so the stage manager Kat asked if I would help out. I’m so glad that I did, because it’s been a blast! I’m a spotlight operator, which is a totally new experience for me. I’m learning a lot, and I’m also getting to know the other young women in the theatre department a lot better. They are wonderful people!
Next month, my friend Heidi is directing her senior thesis project, a play entitled The Smell of the Kill. It’s the first senior thesis to be presented on the Hollins Theatre mainstage. (Most theses are performed on a smaller studio theatre stage.) It’s a great show and is having a big impact on the theatre department as a whole. The entire production is student-led… director, production manager, technical director, costumes, props… you name, it there’s a student in charge of it.
Along with another student, I’m working on publicity for the show. I’m busy drafting press releases, coordinating PR photos, and updating the production website. You should definitely check out our website:
You can learn all about the show (which you should attend if you are in the Roanoke area – it’s free to everyone), the Hollins theatre students, and the Hollins theatre department.
Publicity photo for "The Smell of the Kill"
Well, I’d better find my flashlight and spot cues and be ready for tonight’s performance of Violet. The cast party is directly after the show, so it should be a great night!
