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This week, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Esther Newell. Esther is a fantastic theatre teacher and production supervisor in Jackson, Mississippi. Esther works with her students to design, build and source theatrical sets, props, costumes and beyond. Hope you enjoy her interview!
Esther Newell, theatre teacher and theatrical design specialist in Jackson, Mississippi
I saw a production of Red by John Logan at the Alley Theatre in Houston, and have been in love with the script ever since. The philosophical discussions of art and art-making coupled with brilliant writing makes it incredibly inspiring to me.
One of my favorite memories is working with a great production team at the University of Southern Mississippi to create A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. I was very proud of the 1940’s quality and realism we were able to achieve; I love that time period, so there was a lot of “eye candy” in terms of the set and costumes.
I’ve seen an actor who was playing a blind character walk straight into the frame of the proscenium opening instead of the wing they were shooting for!
I love theatre for its immediacy, accessibility, and ephemeral nature. This artform allows artists to connect immediately and directly with the viewer; this connection is extremely powerful and exciting! I love how theatre can happen anywhere; I love the ingenuity it can inspire. I love how it is only there for the viewer, that it is different every time, and disappears when it is gone. This is reflective of our own lives and reminds us that everything changes and ultimately ends, but that does not make it any less valuable.
SEEKING
Theatre allows us to powerfully see into other lives. This allows people who seek understanding, validation, empathy, hope, or change to see and experience it. This is true for both theatre-makers and audience members.
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Esther Newell teaches theatre full-time at Power APAC in Jackson, MS where she also works as Junior Thespian Troupe sponsor. She received her BFA in Theatrical Design and Technology with a specialization in Costume Design and Construction from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2011. Before beginning her work as a theatre teacher, Esther worked freelance as a costume designer and stitcher at various professional theatres including the Tony Award-Winning Alley Theatre, the Nashville Repertory Theatre, and Mississippi’s only professional theatre, New Stage Theatre.
Esther’s focus in her work is on innovation and collaboration, and she is constantly interested in pushing the boundaries of education and art.
Matt Holl: Drama Teacher and Director – Theatre People
Abby McCuen: Ballet Producer, Grant Writer and Educator – Theatre People
Mitch is the Founding Creative Director of Theatre Avenue, where he designs digital projections for the performing arts. For the last 14 years, Mitch has produced digital content for theatre and ballet companies, universities, and schools internationally. His work ranges from original illustration, animation, and motion design for productions such as Willy Wonka, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Lion King and beyond. Mitch travels the country teaching projection design workshops, conducts virtual learning sessions, publishes media content, and writes for theatre magazines and blogs. Before his dive into the theatrical world, Mitch was an art director and designer creating nationwide campaigns for corporate and non-profit organizations like NBC News, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and the Alzheimer’s Association. He worked for 10 years with hundreds of clients as a graphic and web designer, illustrator, and motion graphics artist. Mitch earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Ball State University, where he studied art and design, the humanities, and computer animation.
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