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Finding light in the darkness: USI alum reconnects with theater passion after pandemic steals spotlight

July 13, 2021

Finding her light 

Megan Gilbert '20 never wanted to be in front of the theatrical spotlight, but she knew from her experiences in high school theater she had an interest in the technical side, operating the spotlight for others to shine. "My senior year [of high school], my technical designer (TD) moved on to being a theater teacher, so we had a new TD step in. I had to show him everything," Gilbert reflects. "I was like, 'I'm interested in light design,' so they gave me a script and said I could light design a show by myself." 

The Indianapolis, Indiana, native, although grateful for the opportunity to learn, had no experience in light design beyond her minimal encounters in spotlight operation. Gilbert taught herself everything she needed to know to successfully design the electrical aspect of her senior year show. "I think if I didn't teach myself or didn't take the opportunity, I probably wouldn't be in the same shoes that I'm in right now in liking the technical aspect, or theater in general, as much as I do," she says. "Now, I work with the same light board and know the ins and outs of it-my past self would be pretty proud of how far I've come." 

Seeking passion in the dark 

When Gilbert began her freshman year at USI in 2016, she initially pursued a degree in special education, but soon felt something was missing. She decided to try a theater production class taught by Andrew Hammond, Theatre Technical Coordinator, and quickly realized the technical side of theater was a passion she missed-and really enjoyed-from her high school days. From that course on, learning about and how to perform the electrical work associated with theater occupied Gilbert's studies.  

Following her graduation from USI in May 2020, and after much success during her time with the USI Theatre Department, Gilbert planned to pursue a career in theatrical touring with Feld Entertainment, a worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences (Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, Sesame Street Live! and more). But before she was able to walk across the Spring 2020 Commencement stage and submit her Feld Entertainment application materials, COVID-19 took the spotlight and left the theater industry in the dark. "In March, everything kind of crashed down," Gilbert says. "That was just a really hard change. I had to go look for different jobs and try to come up with a different, last-minute plan." 

She gave the fast-food industry a chance, tried out Walmart for a bit and then started a culinary aid position at Cypress Grove Rehabilitation Center, where she's currently employed, in Newburgh, Indiana. Though Gilbert enjoys her current role, she can't quite dim her interest in the technical aspect of theater.  

Contemplating opportunities she could pursue to reconnect with the theater industry after almost a year-and-a-half hiatus, Gilbert texted Hammond this spring, asking if there were any ways she could ensure she still possessed the technical theatrical skills gained during her years at USI but hadn't put into action since March 2020. Hammond connected Gilbert with Joshua Stallings, Adjunct in the Performing Arts Department, who was overseeing lighting for an upcoming musical in the Evansville community.  

Stallings offered Gilbert the opportunity to be involved in the 33rd annual Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC)/Public Education Foundation (PEF) Summer Musical production of Cinderella, showing July 15-18 at the Old National Events Plaza. She graciously accepted and began putting her skills to the test once again as local high school students studied scripts, built sets and conducted scene rehearsals in late May.  

Flipping the switch 

Like muscle memory, Gilbert's ability to coordinate lighting for the EVSC/PEF Summer Musical returned like the flip of a switch. In her current role, Gilbert assists Stallings in making sure all tech associated with the show runs smoothly-she's in charge of doing a lot of the work that often goes unnoticed in the industry. "I make sure we have our priorities straight," Gilbert says. 

She also works closely with the stagehand union workers, who differ from production to production based on the city and particular production's needs, but are usually composed of older males. "These are older men, so they probably don't want to take direction from a younger female, but that's just the industry that I'm in," Gilbert says. "There's not a lot of female electricians-in about five to 10 years, hopefully the union will have more females who take lead." 

Lucky for Gilbert, the stagehand union workers have been helpful every step of the way. Hammond says Gilbert's been lucky because they are all "very kind, accommodating and willing to teach." 

"She's an amazing trooper right now," Hammond says of Gilbert's work ethic. "Now she has a little bit more experience under her belt, and she hasn't totally disappeared from the theater world like a lot of full-time theater people have." 

Light at the end of the tunnel 

After being immersed in the industry and seeing the skills she cherishes put to use again, Gilbert can't help but hope theater shines prominent in her future, whether it be a part-time or full-time endeavor. Since Eclipsed, the last USI theatrical production she was set to be a part of as a student in Spring 2020, was canceled, she feels finishing this show alongside cherished USI mentors will give her a sense of closure from her USI Theatre career cut short. One thing's for sure-Gilbert's past self would be proud of how far she's come despite the challenges she's faced. Operating the spotlight in high school theater shed a bright light on Gilbert's passion for helping others shine beneath it. "My heart's going with the theater route," Gilbert says. 

More information about the EVSC/PEF Summer Musical 

This feature was written by Kaylee Johnson, Graduate Assistant in University Communications.

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