This summer, I was perusing American Theatre when I came across an article about the institutionalization of theatre. This article was entitled "Whither (or Wither) Art?" It was written by Zelda Fichlandler, current chair of the graduate acting program at NYU. This piece pondered the relationship between art and business, and when the emphasis on making art is strangled by the desire to make money. This article was deeply fearful of the separation of artists from institutions, and dreamed that: "Artists should be invited to become involved in the total life of institutions in order to provide it with their special knowledge and point-of-view and to have their say." As I sat and read this, I thought about the relationship of these themes to my own life as an artist, and I realized something important. I thought about the MTA, about the way that we run our organization, about the resources that we have, and about who comprises our leadership... And it dawned on me, that as an artist at Muhlenberg, I and every other student in our organization have the total opportunity to become involved in the life of this institution, this theater department. This is an amazing power, and the scope of this freedom is nearly boundless.

In my experience, the MTA has never limited vision, if you can dream it, you can accomplish it here... We make choices about the student productions we choose to produce, the fundraisers we plan, and the charities we support with our work. This nurturing environment is one that should be cherished and used to its fullest potential. What we have at our fingertips here for four years is the artistic utopia that every actor, playwright, director, and technical designer dreams of. Use this space, and create your art, even if you feel you're not being heard. If you're serious, you'll find a way... Realize that this organization is run by the people who dare to do, and that everyone I see at every MTA meeting is implicated in this by showing up. But don't stop at showing up, help out with tech calls, support the works of your peers, cheer loudly, show up at opening night parties... Realize that you are in an extremely enviable position that will be hard to match in the "real world." Every day we hear that arts funding is being cut in states across the country leaving artists with few nets to fall into. You have a huge net here! Love that, cultivate it, nurture this organization! Do this with your work, and your time.

When I look at this year thus far, I see so many amazing accomplishments. The beauty of Dancing at Lughnasa, the fun of On the Town, the daring of Scenes from an Execution. Not to mention the student works that have tackled issues ranging from the comedy of office politics to much more serious subject matters. I have also been so pleased to see our community outreach programs expand, and I will never forget the joy I witnessed at Marathon Theater with our fabulous freshman expending so much energy to raise money for charity. This is our palette, guys, we have made this happen! Value what we have done, and reach even higher! You have a responsibility to yourself to not let these years slip by... Educate yourself, involve yourself, make your voice heard... The life of the institution is up to you.