Through Xavier’s expansive theater program, Gators come to learn a variety of skills, including acting, singing and dancing. However, there are many skills beyond these that students can take with them beyond the stage.
In the coming month, Xavier’s class of 2025 will graduate and among this class are multiple Gators who have been participating in theatre since their freshman year.
This group includes Delaney Buckel who will be attending University of Notre Dame in pursuit of a degree in aerospace engineering. Throughout her life she intends to utilize the skills learned through her experiences on stage.
“I think theater not only teaches you skills for theater but also how to be a kind person,” Buckel said. She explains that through theater she has learned how to interact with many different people.
Buckel also specified the importance of creativity in her chosen field. She said, “You learn how to improvise (in theater) and a lot of engineering comes down to finding creative ways to solve problems.”
Although it is not her specific major, Buckel intends to participate in Notre Dame’s club theater which includes many alumni from the Xavier and Brophy theater community.
Xavier theatre teacher and director, Sarah White, and senior Stella Chamoff agree that public speaking is the biggest skill gained through this experience. White says, “Being able to speak in front of a crowd eloquently and be understood can be used in any situation, even in an interview process.”
Chamoff agreed that she has gained confidence both on stage and in her personal life through her experience in Xavier’s drama department.
Chamoff, who played Alice in Xavier’s fall production of “Alice in Wonderland,” will be attending Creighton University and along with her major in business, with a focus on non-profit business management, she will be minoring in theater.
This opportunity is available to her due to the credits she has accumulated through dual-enrollment courses.
Another skill that White stresses when working with thespian Gators is teamwork. She explains that this is something needed for all walks of life whether that be professionally in a workplace or personally in a friend-group.
“Theater is really about the end product; you have to put ego aside and learn your role in the show,” White said.
White also works with Gators to improve professionalism that can be used in the workspace, this includes showing up on time, taking criticism well and knowing your responsibilities.
Through the experiences made while participating in Xavier’s theatre department, Gators can learn valuable expertise to be used both in and out of the spotlight.
