DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE ARTS (THEA)

LEARN BY DOING: LOGAN POLSON

Logan Polson, a 2023 graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting and a minor in dance, had an amazing experience filming Why the Nativity with Turning Point Studios.

“We filmed throughout all of California and had so many amazing stories with each location,” Polson explained. “I woke up each morning excited to see what the Lord had in store. The experience was like no other. Turning Point Studios ministry was met with the quality/efficiency you would expect of a professional film [combined] with the intentional heart of Christ in every interaction. Everyone on set, cast and crew alike, will tell you the same thing. It truly is set apart.”

Polson also spoke about his time at Liberty and the lasting impact that his professors made on him.

“Liberty has truly trained me to be a Champion for Christ,” he said. “Every experience is driven by the degree to which you choose to dive in, be a part, make time, and actively listen. Let me just tell you that it is worth it. I know that no matter what major [or] minor [I chose], the Lord could change [those plans] tomorrow. So, all I can do is hold loosely to the things of this world and trust that the same God who created me and gave me the passions He has, has a plan and a will to prosper and further His Gospel through His people (Jeremiah 29:11). That [flexibility] makes me feel like a Swiss Army knife, not limited by anything before me, but rather more than a conqueror of whatever obstacle lies ahead (Romans 8:37).”

“The entire staff in the theatre department have been amazing stewards of the gifts they have been given, constantly pouring into us more generously than I have ever heard before at a university,” Polson continued. “A few shining examples of this in my life come from Professor Chris Nelson, who really was a mentor to me in so many ways through my years here. He helped me through some of the most difficult times in my life, [and he] always [had] an open door, [provided] a discerning word, [was] an encouraging leader, and [exemplified] a prayer warrior in and outside the department. My Evangelism [101] professor, Dr. Wheeler, is another that helped me through the many difficult seasons in and outside of college life. He truly reignited and helped pour fuel on the fire that led to my rededication to the Lord. I am so immensely thankful, [and] words can barely express.”

Laura Osnes Intensive

In January 2023, THEA brought in Broadway star and Tony-nominated actress Laura Osnes to lead a musical theatre performance intensive for our BFA in Musical Theatre students. This intensive culminated in a cabaret that was open to the public.

The Last Adam

THEA brought in guest artist George Livings to collaborate on his original musical The Last Adam Collaborating with 20 students and additional Theatre Arts faculty, the workshop culminated in a staged and filmed presentation of selections from the musical. This event was made possible by the Liberty University Center for Research & Scholarship.

Student Awards And Accomplishments

• Christian Mucci acted in the professional touring production of The Thorn

• The Student Writing Project workshopped their original work One West Main in The Black Box Theater

• Kaley Hutter won a citywide poetry contest

• Aaron Hall wrote the book to a new musical, The Light-Keepers, and held a public concert of it in the Tower Theater

• Alyssa Hall was a student lighting apprentice under Professor Gawinski

• Cat Roller received a professional internship for wigging at the Santa Fe Opera House

• 22 students traveled to Puerto Rico for a Drama Ministry trip using original work

Faculty Accomplishments

• Barry Gawinski, lighting designer for Virginia Children’s Theater

• Scott Hayes, director for Emerald Coast Theatre in Florida

• Linda Cooper, certified in Consent-Forward Management by the Intimacy Directors & Coordinators (IDC)

DEPARTMENT OF STRATEGIC & PERSONAL COMMUNICATION (SAPC)

M.A. IN PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION

In the spring of 2023, SAPC deployed its new Master of Arts in Professional Communication program, leading to record numbers of students actively involved in conducting thesis research. The M.A. in Professional Communication includes four specializations for students to choose from. The goal of this degree program is to sharpen the interpersonal and professional communication skills of students to increase their market demand and value.

“Graduate school has really challenged me to grow not only in my academic career but also my professional career. I have been poured into by wonderful faculty members — Dr. Dunkle and Dr. Mallory — who have walked with me through this degree. My time in this program has inspired and equipped me for my future endeavors.”

– Jonas Larson, student