3) It is really close to Broadway (a key factor for any sort of theatre geek).
4) All of my classes are taught by working professionals in the field. Coming from Boulder, Colorado, this seemed pretty cool.
So, I applied as early as I could and harassed admissions almost everyday until they let me in—you could say that I am kind of a determined individual.

YOUNG DREAM
I study Theatre Design and Technology with a concentration in Lighting Design. Ever since I was about three, I knew I wanted to be involved in the arts somehow. I’ve grown up doing everything from acting, dancing, photography, fine arts, to theatre technology, until one day, I finally realized that by pursuing lighting design as a career, I could be in touch with all of those aspects of art every day. I really love what I do, and I guess it’s that passion for the arts that has driven me all the way to New York, even while most odds were working against me. I’ve made it a far way from my high school theatre (where I practically taught myself how to do lighting design) to Purchase (where I get to interact with extremely talented individuals every day).

MASTERING MY CRAFT
My experience at Purchase has been somewhat of a whirlwind so far. I cannot believe I will be a junior soon! My sophomore year has been packed to the brim with tons of new experiences, like being an RA while keeping up with my work as a Design Technician. Apparently, I am one of the only people who has ever done this!
I also got to Master Electrician my first show in the conservatory, which was Cherry Orchard this year. Three weeks for six hours a day. It is the hardest work you can do. The success of lights turning on is up to you.

PROFESSORS WHO LIVE THEIR WORK
I have also worked in Manhattan on amazing shows. I have found what truly makes me happy in life and am blessed to be able to do what I love.
As far as my classes go, they’re pretty intense. These past two years I have gotten a crash course in almost every area of theatre: stage carpentry, sewing, scene design, drafting, and lighting design.
All of my teachers have something great to offer and we often have guest lecturers who bring different perspectives to our program. One of my professors, Dave Grill, does lighting for the Super Bowl, big things like that, and it’s real cool to hear his insights on the industry. We have class with him every week and he’s more industrial in his focus. We also have guest speakers like Brian MacDevitt, Tony-award winner for Coast of Utopia. He’s more emotionally driven in his design. And we have other professionals come in, too. They respect the fact that it is very hard to “teach” design.
The best thing about the Design Tech program is that you basically graduate with a job. Senior thesis/project is working as an intern on a Broadway show. You graduate learning from professionals.

THE PURCHASE NETWORK
I always think fun and crazy people are juxtaposed in this funky campus. Most of the time I am running from rehearsal to RA duty to sleep. I don’t have much spare time. I try really hard not to get too caught up in the stress that a lot of people fall into in the theatre world.

Purchase was the perfect place for me to come to really be immersed into the theatre lifestyle. By the time I graduate, I hope to have a solid portfolio so that I can get a job doing what I love right away. It also doesn’t hurt that I will graduate into a vast network of Purchase alumni who always seem willing to pass on jobs to other alumni!