Student Testimonials - Graeme McClelland
Graeme McClelland
B.A. Hons. Theatre Studies
Transfering to the University of Guelph
The University of Guelph was my second school. For first year, I attended York University for Theatre Studies. I was not comfortable in that program because of the manner in which it was structured. When choosing a different school, I was attracted to Guelph because of its diversity of study. At York, everyone is streamlined into a single area, and that is all they study (for the most part). At Guelph, I was attracted by courses such as Writing for Performance, and the opportunity to specialize based on personal interest rather than faculty assignment. Not only that, but the reputation of certain faculty members made the program more appealing. It wasn’t until I began taking courses with more profs that I discovered that every professor at U of G was of high calibre and has profoundly impacted my way of thinking about theatre for the better.
Choosing Theatre Studies
I chose Theatre Studies as my program because I had begun my degree in Theatre back at York. It’s been an interest of mine for most of my life, and my main objective in going to university was to open doorways. I had ambitions for further study in law, teachers college and Masters programs, and university would open those doors while college would not. I also wished to expand my critical thinking capacity, to improve my ability to serve as a director, dramaturg, and performer in the rapidly changing terrain of Canadian theatre. U of G has certainly made me feel prepared for stepping into a theatre company and being able to serve in a number of capacities. Not only that, but critical thinking will assist in any further studies I might wish to pursue.
Smaller Sized Classrooms
I enjoyed the small size of the program. Rather than being lost in 400 person lectures, I was able to build personal relationships with my professors because classes were often between 5 and 15 students. Every student was able to receive individual attention according to their needs, and I feel as if the connections I’ve made here can help launch me into my career (for all the faculty are working professionals still). I also enjoyed the variety in the program, allowing me to try out new things like theatrical design that I had no prior experience in, and explore my more comfortable skillsets, such as performing and writing, more fully.
Future Career Goals
For the future, I have already applied to both an MFA of Creative Writing and an MA in Theatre Studies. I never considered myself a Masters kind of thinker, but through my degree I’ve considered myriad questions that could become a thesis and been encouraged by faculty to explore and research them. I feel nurtured in a way that I never felt at York, and confident in my ability to critically analyze text and research alike. What I hope to do with my degree ultimately is to begin a career as a theatre maker in Canada.
Expectations of Career in Theatre
Before U of G, I had an expectation of what a career in theatre would look like. Auditions, starving artist life, and praying for a big break. In my three years, I have seen that the old method of getting cast and struggling is not the only way in which theatre can be made. Grant writing, theatre company creation, independent staging, fringe festivals, audio drama, immersive theatre, and public performance have all been explored. I feel confident in being able to apply to any theatre company and be able to step into any role with relative ease. I also feel capable of creating my own work and staging it myself. Law school has not been completely discounted, and that might be a path I choose to take. I feel confident in my ability to transition to that manner of study as well, prepared with all the reading, critical thinking, and debates on tough issues that I have engaged in during my time at U of G.
Renovating the Schools Facilities
A renovation can only serve to enrich the experience of future students. While I am a little remiss that I will no longer be a student at U of G when the project is completed, I have faith that improving the facilities will assist students in being able to achieve success in their studies. The faculty is top-notch at Guelph, and having state-of-the-art (or merely updated) facilities will allow them to teach more effectively. The project might also serve to create more presence of the Theatre Studies program on campus, which would result in greater turn-out for shows and, therefore a more enriching educational experience for theatre students. We need audiences to fully experience what performance is like, both on stage, in production, and in administrative or creative roles.
Highlight of Experiences in Guelph
The highlight of my time at Guelph has been my definitely involvement with theatrical productions. During my fall semester of my 3rd year, I was cast in Lion in the Streets and got the chance to work with Judith Thompson (the playwright, and a world-renowned theatre-maker). During the winter semester, I was cast in an experiential learning play written and directed by the incredible Sky Gilbert and was exposed to what it’s like to rehearse and perform in a Toronto theatre. Through the class, I was also able to interview a theatrical inspiration of mine, Daniel MacIvor. As a queer male playwright, it was incredibly helpful to talk to someone who has come before mean the same role of writer/performer from a queer perspective. Lastly, I was asked to co-write the Fall 2019 production by the directing prof Kimberley McLeod. Given that playwriting is a primary interest of mine, this was an opportunity I am incredibly fortunate to have received. This production also gave me the chance to see a different kind of show that is becoming more popular in the contemporary theatre scene. All of these experiences stick out in my memory, and I feel prepared me for my future as I graduate and seek to start a career.
Final Thoughts
The University of Guelph is thought of as a research school, and is no doubt renowned for its various science programs. Many students do not know we have a Theatre program, which is a shame. It is my wish to see this program be more widely discussed, celebrated, and grow so that more people can experience the kind of opportunities I have had in my time at Guelph.