Q&A: Addie Pawlick – Outstanding Senior in Theatre

Degree: BS in Theatre, Magna Cum Laude and Highlander Scholar
Hometown: Chester, Virginia

Q: What was your biggest challenge with the technical theatre concentration?

A: My biggest challenge has been the amount of hours it requires to have a technical theatre focus. It takes a lot of extra hours to design a show. I want to spend all of my time in the department to learn as much as possible, but can't because I have classwork and other responsibilities.

Q: What advice would you give to new students coming into Radford?

A: I would say you get out what you put into your efforts. If you don't volunteer or try new things or even keep up with the things you like to do, then you won't get a great experience from college. College is not just about going to class and then going back to your dorm room and working on homework, its also about discovering who you are as an individual and you can't do that sitting in your dorm room. Nobody is going to make you do anything. You have to want to be involved.

Q: If you had to pick one moment, either a best moment or most transformative moment at Radford, what would it be and describe why.

A: I've enjoyed all of my time at Radford. I can't say I have a best moment because it’s all been great, but I will say something during my sophomore year just clicked in for me. I always liked lighting design and wanted to try it, but my sophomore year was when it all sunk in that I actually wanted to be a lighting designer. I knew I had to keep doing it. I can't say when exactly it happened, but I know by junior year I was all lights all the time. I'm so passionate about it. I am so glad I got to experience it here and learn what it is to be a lighting designer, and how I could make what I love doing my career.

Q: What inspired you to continue your academic path to getting a master’s degree from the University of Houston?

A: Radford University was a great start for me. I would never do my education over somewhere else if I got the chance. I love my department and I had so much opportunity here. I got to learn whatever it was I wanted to learn and had my professors support me every step of the way. That is what inspired me to continue my education. I want to keep learning. I loved everything I learned from the theatre department here and their support has inspired me to continue learning all that I can about lighting design and about theatre.

I think I will have many more opportunities to learn at the University of Houston. I will be studying under two-time Tony-nominated lighting designer Kevin Rigdon. From conversations I have had with him already I know he loves sharing his knowledge with his students and he will certainly teach me more than I could ever know. Getting to continue my education is so exciting!