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Elizabeth Jean '13 and Kristian Spencer '14 |
8/6/12
Randolph-Macon College student
Elizabeth Jean ’13 is setting the stage for a career in theatre.
This summer, Jean researched and directed David Auburn’s
Proof in conjunction with the Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship (
SURF) program. The
drama and
arts management major spent most of her days in Cobb Theatre in preparation for the play's premiere, which took place on August 1.
Proof, the story of a troubled young woman who has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, will be reprised October 3-6 in Cobb Theatre, in R-MC's Center for Performing Arts.
“On most days I worked with
Kristian Spencer ’14 to construct his set, with rehearsal in the afternoon,” says Jean, a St. Mary’s County, Maryland native. “During the evening I took care of loose ends—supplemental research, for example—and planned for the next day.” Jean, who worked under the guidance of Drama Professor Joe Mattys, has been a theatre aficionado for many years.
“It’s a great environment with a lot of support,” she says. “Even after working for months on a production, I’m still excited. When I try to understand why characters act the way they do, it forces me to consider what has happened to them and how that affects their actions.” Jean, who presented her research at the
SURF Symposium, says the most rewarding part of her project was working with actors.
“I love discussing a character with an actor and discovering a part of that character that I hadn’t seen,” she says. “I took an Introduction to Directing class last year, and I liked it so much that I asked Professor Mattys, 'Can I do a SURF project this summer? I know what I want to do.'"
Having the chance to direct a show has been “incredible,” she says. “I learned a lot about how other jobs in theatre work, and about how to do my own job as a director. SURF helped me make sure I stayed on my toes.” Jean met regularly with Mattys, whose mentorship played an important role in the success of her project.
“Professor Mattys was always available to help me when I had a problem or to listen if I just needed to vent,” she says. “I have learned so much from his courses and from working with him on productions. Having him as a mentor helped me to make decisions and become more confident in my work.”
Jean, a member of
Alpha Phi Omega and
Omicron Delta Kappa, also serves as secretary of OSMA (Organization for Sexual Minorities and Allies), and is very involved with R-MC’s Drama Guild. Her post-R-MC plan reflects her love of all things theatre.
“After graduation, I hope to become a stage manager for a Richmond theatre,” she says.
Note: Tickets for the October 3-6 performances are $5 per person and free to R-MC faculty, staff and students. The Box Office begins taking reservations by phone mail at (804) 752-7316 beginning at 10:00 a.m. September 24.
SURF was introduced in 1995 as an endowment to support scholarly undergraduate research by students in all disciplines. Students conduct 10 weeks of full-time, original research during the summer months, under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The initial gift for the program was made by Benjamin Schapiro ’64 and his wife Peggy.