Full Name:
Beth McCurdy
Major/Year:
B.A. in Theatre and Dance, Stage Management Concentration / B.S. in Communication Studies, Corporate Communication Track / Business Foundations
Favorite class in Theatre & Dance and why:
So far my favorite classes have been my production labs. For my spring 2008 production lab, I stage managed Big Love written by Charles Mee and directed by our very own Fran Dorn. This show was particularly rewarding because of the outstanding cast, crew, designers and advisors. Big Love was a cast of nine graduate students and seventeen undergrad students. Calling my experience with this show a “class” does not come close to fitting the bill; Big Love was an experience and the skills I learned from it can't be taught from a textbook. I also found Denise Martel's stage management class extremely valuable; sitting in a class where there is serious in–depth learning about your chosen niche is exciting, and I am grateful that our department offers these types of courses. I look forward to broadening my horizons by taking Scenery Technology with Rusty Cloyes and Pilates I with Andee Scott in the fall.
Favorite thing about Austin:
My favorite thing about Austin is the scenery. I am amazed that in one city you can see lakes, high–rises, hills, the tower, parks and much more. I love that Austinites truly cherishtheir beautiful city and allow nature to be a big part of it. I also enjoy the broad spectrum of personalities that are present in the Austin area. U.T. attracts many unique people and Austin seems to cultivate its own exceptional group of citizens.
Favorite place to study:
When I am writing a paper, especially one for a theatre course, I love to sit in the house of one of our theatres. This practice started simply out of necessity: after rehearsals sometimes I just wanted to knock out some homework before I headed home. Usually I am already all set up at the tech table, or in the house I end up spending many evenings staring at an empty set and waiting for inspiration. I also like studying in the PCL and the FAL. The PCL provides the seclusion needed for a long cram session, but the FAL provides a less dreary alternative. Sometimes I attempt to study in the atrium. As all majors know, you will not actually get much done there, but if you need some distractions it can suffice.
Brief biography (including projects, awards, accomplishments):
I grew up in Humble (a town just outside of Houston). I have been involved in theatre, in some form or fashion for the past eight years, and my passion for it continues to grow. Since I have been at the University of Texas at Austin's Department of Theatre, I have been involved with multiple productions including:
- The Marriage of Miss Hollywood and King Neptune as Fly Rail Crew
- Aisle 7 as Assistant Stage Manager
- Slaughter City as Stage Manager
- Dance Repertory Theatre as Stage Manager
- Los Vendidos (in conjunction with the Cesar Chavez statue unveiling) as Stage Manager
- Big Love as Stage Manager
For the past two and a half years, I have been lucky enough to be employed by the department as a front desk worker. Recently, I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Pat Hingle Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Theatre and Dance.
Current projects/research/interests:
I am currently working at the front desk and turning my focus to my studies, specifically my communication classes. I do not have any theatre projects planned at the moment, but I know something will pop up soon enough. I plan to graduate in the summer of 2009.
