John Rooney Area of Study: Theatre Arts (Directing, BFA)

I chose to attend The Theatre School at DePaul University because… My initial reason for looking at DePaul was the fact that it is located in Chicago. As good as some programs are in other areas, I feel like I would have missed out on so many opportunities and connections if I wasn't located in the city. My second reason was the Theatre Arts program itself. It allows a detailed study of theatre with flexibility to explore many facets of the theatrical world. I want to do so much and the Theatre Arts program allows me the flexibility to do so.

A faculty or staff member that has greatly influenced me is… I am extremely inspired by Coya Paz. She views theatre as a tool to create social and political change, which is exactly how I try to approach my work in the theatre. Theatre is fun, it entertains, but it can also do so much more. I want every person to leave a theatrical experience with a new outlook on life. Theatre should challenge an audience to question who they are and the world around them. Professors like Coya are helping to create a new generation of theatre artists that want to do so much more than simply entertain.

Something that surprised me about my experience or curriculum here is… Everyone approaches theatre very differently. In my classes, I have realized how much my style of theatre might differ from my other class mates. At first, those differences were a little hard to handle but once I got used to it, the differences are liberating and constantly challenge me to rethink the way I work.

One thing that I’d like to say to students considering attending The Theatre School, or my peers in the industry, is…… Don't limit yourself. The choices are unlimited. The rules can be broken. Try things out. Don't hold back. Just go for it.

My future goals include… I have quite a few...one of my goals is to become fluent in American Sign language and to try to bring the deaf and hearing worlds together through theatre. Another is to become the Artistic Director of a theatre company focusing in political theatre and theatre for social change...I also wouldn't be opposed to directing a Broadway show.