Faculty Q&A with Eric Tysinger & Tammy Wolford

Eric Tysinger

How did you come to FWCD?

Such a great story … I was driving home from Dallas one day, and Denise Q &A Tam my Wolford Mullins [former Director of Fine Arts] called me about something FWCD-related. I did not know Denise or FWCD. At the end of our conversation, I said, ‘Sounds like you guys have a great thing going over there; best of luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything else.’ She then told me about a job opening coming soon in the Scott Theater. And here I am.

Have you always known you would work in theatre?

No. I had a full-ride to nursing school after high school. At the end of my first year, I had to choose my arts elective: Drawing 1, Sculpting 1, or Technical Theatre. I do not draw, and I do not sculpt, so theatre tech it was. About halfway through year two, I called my mom and told her I was giving up my scholarship to follow my heart. After a very long pause, she said. ‘Well, son, I guess there is more to life than money and stability, good luck.’ To this day, I have no idea if she was joking, happy, sad or terrified. Probably a combination, but she was supportive, and it has worked out ok, I think.

What aspect of your job do you love most?

I’m not sure there is enough ink for this one. I look after Scott Theater and all its parts. On any given day, I teach and deal with lighting, sound, props, scenery, costumes, hair, makeup, logistics, management. I truly feel like I have to know something about many areas to keep us moving in the right direction. I think what I love the most is that no two days are the same. I also stay connected professionally, stage-managing different shows, including the National Tour of Hamilton and this summer’s Newsies at Casa Mañana.

What do you wish to impart to students?

There are two macro principals I work from. The first is about process and appreciation. It is vitally important that our theatre students go into the world with an understanding and appreciation for what it takes to put on a show. Young students don’t realize the commitment and level of detail it takes to make a good show great. There is a specific process that a show goes through from start to finish. I can’t lecture about those things; we actually have to do them. The second is to expose students to all areas of performing arts. I do that by getting out into the world. We took a group of students to see Hamilton and Hadestown. My tech kids watched the load-in for Wrestlemania. Those opportunities are about letting them see you don’t just have to be an actor or director. There are very good jobs in the entertainment industry for all kinds of talents. And the beauty of this is, even if I don’t have a student who pursues a career in the field, I have helped make a better citizen and patron of the arts. That is a win, no matter what.

Eric Tysinger, Scott Theater Manager

Tammy Wolford

What do you love most about being a librarian?

Everything! Many people tell me I have their dream job. I don’t think they realize it’s not all about reading to children all day long. I do enjoy working with the students, helping them find the perfect book, and watching the spark in their eyes as they begin to understand. But I also love working with parents and faculty across all divisions as they help grow their students. I keep abreast of reading programs and trends so that I can provide the best support possible. Even the budgeting, purchasing and cataloging processes are puzzles to be solved. I am blessed to oversee the JK-12 program and to see the big picture of how we grow such successful students.

The greatest gift about working here is watching students grow into young men and women. As Head Librarian, I get to experience helping them learn to read, and then I get the privilege of watching them walk across the stage at graduation. It’s an incredible blessing to work at an institution where I can see that progression.

Why did you choose to be a librarian?

I actually have Middle School Librarian Kim Gardner to thank for becoming a librarian! I have always loved to read and loved teaching literature. She encouraged me to go back to school and get my MLS in 2006 when we worked together at a public intermediate school. Although I was always a huge library-user, I had never considered returning to school to work on my master’s degree. I’m so thankful she planted that idea!

Why are themes important to you?

Quite honestly, I love making the library fun! Planning the annual theme is much like preparing for a surprise party every year. We start working on it in March, so we have everything ready by August. Both Carol Wamsley and Melissa Hickman, my library assistants, have loved helping me create something new every year. We hope students will make the association that reading is exciting, and your imagination can take you anywhere. The costumes make the learning experience even more fun.

What does reading mean to you?

Reading to me, in a word, is connection. Reading connects us to events and places in the past. It gives us a shared experience as we read with a book club. It creates a bond with family as we pass down books or read a well-loved classic. I cherish friendships that form through a common love of reading.

Tammy Wolford, Head Librarian