Ashleigh Roy works in two worlds. By day she’s at the I.T. customer service desk and a psychology student at UMB. In her free time she is the stage manager for the theater program’s upcoming production of “Scapin,” premiering Nov. 16, at 6 p.m.
Roy, who transferred from Castleton State in Vermon, stated that it was easy for her to get involved at UMB because of the atmosphere created by the students. “Everyone is very approachable,” she said. “People are generally here because they want to be and are self-motivated; that makes the experience of working with a group very rewarding. When I’m on break I feel eager to get back to class, something that I just didn’t feel at my old school.”
Roy also commented on the culture of UMB, which she believes is cultivated by the school’s location and lack of dormitory housing. She stated, “The campus is so close to the city, there is plenty to do. Most students are adults.” Roy continued, “They have responsibilities, are driven and focused. Dorm life was very different; it was more isolated because the campus was a halfhour’s drive away from the nearest town. People were less responsible than they should have been to the point where it was not fun. Security was lax; people looked the other way a lot. Students were getting hurt and sick.”
Because of this experience Roy is displeased by the plans for dormitory construction at UMB. “I keep hearing they are going to build dorms here,” she said. “I think it is a bad idea. I think a lot of the problems commonly associated with college life like heavy drinking arise out of dorm living.”
UMB’s theater program proved to be a better fit for Roy than the program at Castleton State. “I felt it was more divided talent wise,” said Roy. “There were the people who had been at it for awhile and were good and then there were the new people like me and the groups did not mix well. That is not to say they were not nice people, but UMB is more welcoming, less divided and competitive.”
Roy first became interested in performance arts in high school. “I had a really great mentor, Sue Lindhome,” she said. “She was really nice and always encouraged me. I became the president of theater production of my high school, and have just stuck with it ever since.”
Being a psychology major and stage manager gives Roy an interesting position for observation. “It is fun to watch people try out different personas, it intrigues me to see how people develop a charter, how they put themselves into someone else,” she said.
Despite her passion for the stage, Roy decided to major in psychology for practical reasons. “You have to realistic,” she said. “Psychology seemed like a good fit because I’m the one my friends come to for advice, and I think I’m pretty good at reading people. I enjoy my studies. I am particularly focused on the problem of drug addiction.”
But with only two weeks until the premier of “Scapin,” Roy’s main concern is the play. As stage manager, her responsibilities are numerous. “During rehearsals I have to take care of the cast, make sure they are safe, on time, and held accountable,” she said. “I am the liaison between the cast, the director, and the production team. I keep everyone on the same page. During the actual performance I will call the cues for lights, sound and the actors’ entrances and exits.”
“Opening night is the best,” Roy said. “You get see all your hard work come to fruition, you get to show your friends and family the product of all your blood, sweat, and tears. It gives you a real sense of accomplishment like I imagine one gets from creating a really nice painting or song.”
The theater program has been bolstered under professor Anthony Phelps’ stewardship according to Roy. “Last year, the theater program was underrated, it just didn’t get the respect it deserved,” she said. “But professor Phelps has been working hard to change that. He has acquisitioned new supplies, and he is here every day being a part of everything.”
Roy celebrated the theater program for providing a place for likeminded people to come together. “I love the friends I have made and the sense of comradery we share,” she said. “It has been a fantastic experience, and I am very proud of my cast.”
