Personal Statement by Michelle Ferguson

Fantastical

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-25 23:05:42 UTC

I'm currently obsessed and inspired by fantasy and mythology. World-building, monsters, heroes, fable, etc. ideas that allow no bounds to creativity and aren't limited by realism. I am trying to expand my imagination by doing shows that excite me--which tend to be shows with a more whimsical vibe to them.

Current Podcast

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-25 23:20:40 UTC

This is the current Greek Mythology podcast I have been listening to. It covers a lot of myths about Gods, Monsters, and Heroes

Inner Child

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 13:17:49 UTC

Since starting at UT I've come to appreciate the idea of creating art that pleases both my current self and my inner child. I have learned the importance of play and its impact on the devising process. There's a simplicity that comes with play that I really enjoy, and from this you can build your story.

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 13:20:15 UTC

My first TYA play I did for the Cohen New Works Festival

Why it Matters

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 13:24:39 UTC

I think collaboration is important because everyone has different identities and ideas. When working on a play you should always think about the impact it will have on the audience, which can be different for each person depending on their background. Through collaboration you can create a well rounded play that reaches a larger audience rather than a specific group.

Howlround Collaboration Article

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 13:29:03 UTC

What I think about it

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 13:32:09 UTC

For me collaboration has always come kind of easy. I prefer working with others where we can bounce ideas off one another and just be sounding boards for the other. It also can make the work easier because you can divide tasks amongst your group instead of doing everything by yourself. When you work in a group you get many different narratives and perspectives which creates a more well rounded play.

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 13:34:31 UTC

Stage Manager

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 13:37:25 UTC

In the future I hope to see myself as a professional Stage Manager on a touring show so that I can do the work that I love while travelling the world. I began stage managing in my first year and fell in love it. Eventually after a few years of travelling I would like to settle down in a city a become the stage manager for a local theatre company.

Actors (and SMs) Equity Association

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 13:39:23 UTC

Theatre Educator

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 13:43:12 UTC

After being a stage manager for a some years I imagine myself becoming a theatre teacher for a high school. I want to use the information and tools I will learn from stage managing professionally and apply them to my job as an educator. High School is when children really start thinking about what they want from their futures, and I would love to help them explore a possible future in Theatre.

UTeach Theatre

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 13:47:38 UTC

This is the website (with video) that I read and watched by UT's UTeach Program that drew me to this major.

Appreciation

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 14:07:33 UTC

In my past I used to always be super critical of my work. If it wasn't perfect then it was garbage. I looked for validation through assignments to measure my worth. However, since coming to UT I've learned to appreciate the process rather than the outcome. I've been part of shows where actors still had to be on book because of script changes or where the lights and sound are "rough" because finding designers is hard. Yet I don't appreciate these shows any less because I still got to do the work I love and learned along the way.

Article about Academic Validation

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 14:10:28 UTC

This article talks about the danger of academic validation and the impact it has on mental health

Inspiration

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 14:13:04 UTC

n the future I want to have a work ethic like Taylor Swift, someone who recognizes when she is undervalued and removes herself from the situation. Someone who is unafraid to try new fields in a cutthroat industry. She is a strong example of a powerful woman in the workplace who doesn’t let others tear her down. Taylor Swift is an inspiration to many women and people because she is hard-working and has still remained kind.

The Man

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 14:15:49 UTC

This Taylor Swift song talks about how men and women are viewed differently in the workplace. Men who take charge are leaders but women who do are "bossy"

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 14:20:02 UTC

I love seeing how much I have grown as a professional and as a person since starting here at UT 2 years ago. In my emails you can see how I have grown more confident in my stage managing skills through how confident I sound in them, and the content within the bodies. On the outside you can see I have grown because two years ago I would never have imagined myself taking a class about collaboration where I'll have to work with strangers, and now I love interacting with my peers.

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 14:21:54 UTC

Biggest Takeaway

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 14:26:07 UTC

My biggest takeaway since starting my university experience is having grace with others and with yourself. Its important to understand that everyone is different and is coming into a rehearsal or class with probably a 100 other thoughts. Sometimes what may seem like low effort is all they can mentally and physically contribute that day. That's why I enjoy doing access checks because they give us a better understanding of who/what I'm working with in a space and what that person needs to accomplish their work.

michellefergs04 — 2024-01-26 14:30:07 UTC

How to show grace to others and meet their needs