Tessa Harbaugh

Student, Department of Theatre & Dance

Combining her interest with children’s theatre and love of community outreach, Tessa Harbaugh took her  talents out into the community as a member of the In School Players.  The audition-based troupe, sponsored by the Theatre & Dance department, utilizes scripts based on the Public Affairs theme.   As a member of the troupe for 2 years, Tessa performed for children in elementary schools in Springfield, Nixa, Republic, and the surrounding area.

She writes of her experiences, “I believe that children are the ones we should perform to because some of them may never get to experience live theatre until they are older, and I think they should be exposed to this art form. I think they have minds that are worth molding. I think they are the best audiences because they are so honest in every way. Think about the little boy in the Emperor’s New Clothes story, the one that told the Emperor that he was actually naked…that is how children are in a theatre performance. I have had kids run up to me and hug me to tell me that I was their favorite and that made me feel so good that I made an impact in their lives in some way.”

For her role as a student leader in Theatre & Dance, and her dedication to community outreach, we are pleased to recognize Tessa Harbaugh as the November Public Affairs Student Spotlight!