"Higher education is broken." It’s a refrain I hear too often these days...Many feel the future looks bleak. But as we bring a close to the Spring of 2023, it’s hard to share this dark outlook. Part of my optimism, of course, is based on the opening of Phase II of our Theatre & Dance complex, a new very forward-looking and visionary Dean, and a great administration. But my real belief in the power of higher education comes from every class I teach.
Alicia Tafoya (MFA Performance and Pedagogy, 2006) did not always dream of becoming a performer; in fact, as a child, she dreamed of becoming a scientist. She was never involved in the arts growing up, but in high school, when she had completed required electives, Alicia suddenly found herself backstage for her high school play.
The dance faculty have been busy this year with their research and creative work both on and off campus. I am dedicating this month’s article to discuss some of their amazing work.
Melanie Frasca, a graduate student in the Performance & Pedagogy program, has spent the last three years working with The BurkTech Players, a collaboration of students from the School of Theatre & Dance and the Burkhart Center for Autism Education & Research. Providing performance opportunities for people on the autism spectrum is one emphasis of many for the group.