Attention all Missouri State Theatre and Dance students, below is a message from the incredible department head, Joe Price. It contains important information regarding the rest of the academic semester, as well as inspiration and reassurance during the changing times. Please read over it carefully and take to heart what it says.

 

“Dear Missouri State Theatre and Dance Students,

There is nothing more important to the Department of Theatre and Dance than our students. We hope that you are safe. We hope that you and your loved ones are well. As you know, on March 30th, we will resume classes. Please know that your faculty and staff in the department have been working hard to find creative solutions to delivering your courses during this challenging time. The one thing that is crystal clear in all of the interactions we have been having as a department – whether by email, zoom, Skype or phone – is that our department cares about our students. We are all concerned for your well-being and we are all deeply committed to your individual educational journeys.

We understand that many events, performance/design opportunities, and senior projects have been cancelled. We mourn these losses. It isn’t fair. Please know that we share these feelings of loss and frustration. As we look to the future, we will look for ways that we might be able to honor some of these cancellations. But, we also recognize that things are changing daily. We do remain hopeful that through teaching our future colleagues – YOU – we have the chance to make the world better through our work, through our compassion, and through our resolve.

Over the final weeks of the semester, we’ll miss having you on campus.

Seeing your faces.

Listening to your songs.

Being inspired by your growth.

Watching you design and build beautiful creations.

Seeing you dance.

We’ll still be teaching you. We’ll still be your champions.

It will just be a little different than what you’re used to.

During this time, we ask you to be kind to yourself. We truly need your understanding, and patience, and we’ll give that right back to you. Please be safe. Be healthy. STAY ENGAGED WITH US! Email, call, zoom. Find inspiration in the silence. When all of this is over…We Will Rise.

Please reach out to us with any questions you have.

Be well,

Joseph Price

Department Head

Producer, Tent Theatre

Missouri State Theatre and Dance”

 

Use these strong and uplifting words Joe has given us to not lose sight of why we do what we do. We are artists and will not let anything stand in our way. Stand together.