Having graced the stage at TTU so many times, most would assume Adam Garcia is a BFA student. Instead, he is pursuing a BA in Theatre Arts with a minor in Dramatic Writing because he has an appreciation, and talent, for several areas of theatre.
Originally from California, Garcia spent most of his grade school days in El Paso, Texas where he first engaged with theatre. “I knew I wanted to do [theatre] as a career or in some kind of professional capacity because it just was so fulfilling to me,” Garcia reflected. After practicing for many years, he figured “I might as well go learn as much as I can and try to foster myself into a theatrical weapon.”
When deciding which university to attend, - he sought out programs that allowed him to work hard to expand his mind. He knew he wanted to improve so he could become a successful theatre practitioner. His desire to attend Texas Tech was solidified after touring the new, state-of-the-art, facilities at the end of 2019.
The BA in Theatre Arts program is special because students take a wide range of theatre classes to become proficient in several areas. Garcia admits that “it’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of work that’s educational and vital to who you are as a creative.” The program not only helps students develop respect for all disciplines but also helps those with many interests to find where they have the most potential.
Garcia particularly appreciates the community in the School of Theatre & Dance. When he’s been overwhelmed in the past, his peers have always been there for him. Being away from home, finding such support from your classmates makes all the difference.
The faculty have also had a great impact on Garcia’s experience. His favorite class at TTU was a directing class taught by associate professor Jesse Jou, whom he describes as a gentle and caring man: “He presents theater and directs people to give these performances that change your life when you watch them.”
Many have seen Garcia onstage in productions like Sweet Charity, The Threepenny Opera, and Frontier Fest. He admits that sometimes it’s hard to feel “seen” as a BA, but faculty like Kyla Olson, Head of Dance, welcome them into the performance space with encouragement.
Most recently, Garcia played a strong role in the devised piece, The Ghost Project which was a very special experience. In this show, students and faculty came together to creatively develop and perform a script. Garcia reflects, “When the work comes from the heart and passion, there is no room for [ego] to get in the way which is why it was so successful and why I’m so grateful.”
Garcia is especially passionate about producing stories concerning underrepresented communities and, after graduating in May, hopes to do this in any way he can.
Garcia has certainly made his mark on The School of Theatre & Dance. He has worked very hard over the years to develop his skills but confirms that it was all “worth it” in the end.