UC San Diego

The 2011 dance theatre production of Space Between was a radical departure from the traditional production model for theatre and dance, and the first MFA dance thesis production for the department. As the stage manager, I was asked to pioneer an innovative process that necessitated a complete reimagining of expectations and unwavering trust in my collaborative abilities. I partnered with the choreographer to curate a malleable environment that welcomed all input and worked with and for every person's talents. Allowing my vulnerability to guide, rather than hinder, this creation launched my ability to be an active collaborator while simultaneously embracing the unknown.

My approach to traditional work was deeply impacted by the experimental process on Space Between. I viewed my thesis production of June Moon from a new perspective and with the confidence that I could find a similar creative niche to the one developed on Space Between. I bonded with a professional director through constant and candid conversation and together we nurtured an atmosphere of fluidity that allowed room for everyone's creativity without the rigidity of procedure. I quickly developed into a valuable artistic colleague to the company and my close relationship with the director supported the dynamic structure and challenges we encountered in the production.

The experiences of the past year created the space for me to take risks and connect more authentically to the people and the process. These discoveries will continue to support a deep intentionality to engage vulnerability and trust in my future work.