Thanking the Thespians
I want to start off by thanking every professor here. You have all taught me so much and taken such good care of me. I’d like to especially thank Zip for granting me so many opportunities in Room Service. Laurel for being so kind to me when my mom passed away. Libby for preparing me and encouraging me as a future theatre teacher. Megan for pushing and stretching my boundaries as an actor. Felicia for all of the motherly wisdom and kindness. And of course, Chapa, for being the best mentor and improv buddy of mine.
I’d also like to take the time to thank several students specifically: I’d like to thank John Marshall and Jess for teaching me to work my ass off. Aldrin, Tyler, and Johnny for reminding me to laugh and be silly. Cameron, Bella, and Saul for being some of my favorite humans on the planet. Allison, Kim, and Jennifer for being the best partners to work with and laugh with. Lizzy and Kal for being the most authentic, kind people. Callie, Leah, Nora, Ana, Itzel, and anyone else who has stepped foot in the Wesley. Clea for being my forever partner in crime. Noelle and Edith for being the best Flight 12 officers and even better best friends. And of course, Gavin, for being my number one supporter and most loving partner. If I left college with no degree but a Gavin in my life, I’d be the luckiest girl alive. I’d also like to thank each and every member of Flight 12, all of the BFA actors, and all of the people (good and bad) who have shaped my time the past few years.
Now, for some of my highly sought-after personal advice:
What I lack in raw talent I will always make up for in hard work and dedication. Be the most hard working person in the room and opportunities will follow.
Complain less and practice gratitude. It is an incredible privilege to be pursuing artistry and attending college in the first place.
Your life does not have to look like everyone else’s. Enjoy college now, there will always be shows to audition for, but school is temporary.
Find people, passions, and rest outside of the theatre world. You are not just an artist, you’re a complex human being.
Be extremely empathetic. When my life was falling apart and back into a new place, people like T’nyah and Claire constantly checked in on me and it made a massive difference.
I would now like to present a call to action for the department. I believe our student organizations need more support and recognition, especially BTS. I admire every individual that is a part of their officers team. I would also love to see more representation for the women in this department, as well as aspiring directors. More student-run opportunities like Theatre For Change are extremely important to our students. I think communication and organization can always be better, especially when it comes to sharing our spaces. That being said, I have genuinely appreciated and valued my time here at UTA. I hope this program continues to grow and that this community of supportive, incredible people never ceases to spread love, joy, and advocacy.
Lastly, I want to share a piece of my heart with you all. Many of you reached out with kind words when my mom passed away. At first, I didn’t know how to feel about all of your sentiments. The vast majority of you had never met my mother, so how could you possibly understand why I missed her so much? But as I’ve grieved the loss of my mom for nearly a year now, it is safe to say that I am just like her in every possible aspect. So, in a way, you all got to know and love my mom too. Thank you. Faith Beene, out.
