A New Family

Being part of a family is something everyone wants, and here at Berea it's what everyone gets. At least, for those involved in the theater department (I haven't observed other departments). Even before classes had started, and even more so now that rehearsals for the production of Turandot have started, I've noticed the way that the theater department, with it's faculty and students, is like a family, one willing and able to accept anyone who finds their home on the stage, behind the scenes, or in the director's chair.

I was initially surprised on how large, yet close knit that the entire theater department was upon my arrival. People acted as if they were seeing each other after so long, and eventually it shifted to the point where it was as if no time had passed at all since the end of the spring semester. The few freshman that had already decided to be involved in the theater were accepted with open arms into the family that frequently overtakes the Jekyll Drama Building.

Most students at Berea may have a sense of family when they join certain groups, but from I’ve observed so far the theater is by far the closest bunch I’ve seen. Deborah Martin, the ever-fearless director is the mother of all the students, carefully guiding them and directing them through productions and classes to help them succeed. Other faculty members make up the large (and somewhat dysfunctional) family at times, and each of them and the students bring their own unique qualities to the group. It feels nice to be part of something like the theater department family, and gives one the sense that no matter what happens, you’ll always have those around you for support.