Featuring: JD Stallings (MFA Technical Direction Student)

What is your experience with technical direction and why did you want to go to graduate school?

I spent the last 12 years as a high school technical director and I love working with students who are passionate about problem-solving and hands-on learning in a theatrical environment. Last year I decided to pursue an MFA in technical direction so that I would have more teaching opportunities, specifically at the college level.

Why did you choose University of Virginia’s MFA program?

UVA’s program struck me immediately as a perfect fit when I first interviewed. Their program offers a great combination of academics, production, and teaching opportunities for graduate students, and I was very happy to find that the department values collaboration, not only within the Department of Drama, but with other disciplines in the college. Last but not least, I was happy to move to a city with such a rich history and vibrant culture. So far, Charlottesville has been an awesome place to live and work.

What is your favorite production you’ve worked on so far, and why?

I am currently working on my first production at UVA, so it is definitely my favorite so far! I was given the opportunity to work as TD for the first production of the year, A Comedy of Errors. It has been both a great learning experience and an introduction to grad school and UVA Drama. It has also confirmed that I chose well when I decided that UVA would be a good fit for me.

What do you like to do in your leisure time in Charlottesville?

There are more things to do and more places to eat in Charlottesville than I will ever be able to take in completely. My wife and I have only been here a month and have enjoyed a football game, a mountaintop sunset, and four completely different and delicious barbecue restaurants. I hope to find time to do some hiking in Shenandoah National Park at some point and to attend a few of the seemingly countless concerts and shows in the area.