When I started tossing around the idea of going to college for architecture it was a really foreign idea to me. I knew I was going to college to get a degree in something that could get me a solid job so I could still audition for things on the side, but up until then I hadn't thought much about what that something would be. Performing has been my whole life thus far so- despite knowing I wouldn't attempt to major in it- architecture was more or less a decision based loosely on other interests of mine.
The visit to Rockwell was a huge eye opener for me. I previously knew I didn't want to focus on landscape architecture, but that was really the only type I had crossed off the list of possibilities. Our visit showed me the reality that can be my future through the combination of my two passions- musical theatre and design.
The Rockwell sets are beautiful. The second we walked past that staircase lined with bookshelves I was obsessed. I recognized each piece of work, knew all of the shows they were created for, what scenes they were used in, and recalled explaining to my mother how the Legally Blonde cast was able to pull off a costume change in less than a second using a fire pole, just as Mr. Richards explained to the group.
The set design room was even more breathtaking. I stood there naming each show in my head, remembering sitting in the Music Box theatre in awe of the Dead Accounts set and tearing up during Phantom of the Opera when I was 9 years old because I loved the musical so much and the show had been such a magical experience.
Our Rockwell visit showed me that I can't stop being involved in what I love, but I also don't have to. I'll still audition for shows throughout college and hopefully after, but while I'm there I can work towards a career in set design, should performing not work out. I didn't expect to get so much out of the trip but I guess the best surprises are the ones we don't see coming.
