Theatre
- Faculty Profile - Megan Tyner
Megan Tyner applies makeup to a student's face in acting class. |
Megan Tyner
Chair, Theatre Department
620-327-8142
megant@hesston.edu
What draws you to the field of theatre?
I firmly believe that theatre is a gift. One that a group of people give to an audience. It is that idea of ministry that draws me to theatre. Each time that I begin a new production, it is like I am embarking on a new journey. By the end of it, I find out more about myself, the people around me, and the human experience as a whole. It is a blessing and a joy to come to work everyday.
My favorite part of the process is watching as individual students make discoveries for themselves. I love it when an actor makes a connection to a character and all of sudden that character becomes a reality. Or when a designer creates a costume or a set piece that tells a story by just looking at it. The look of satisfaction on their face is priceless.
My philosophy of directing is that the process is more important then the product. As a director it is my responsibility to provide a supportive encouraging atmosphere that an artist feels comfortable expressing themselves in. It is important to maintain discipline and respect but I find that if I provide everyone with a strong and supportive environment where input is welcome and a smile is encouraged, the end result is of far greater quality. This philosophy has not failed me yet.
Of course, the actual production makes all of the hard work worth the effort. It is my style that on opening night, the production is no longer mine, but belongs to the cast and crew. This is very important to me. When a cast and crew have ownership of a creative piece of art that is exclusively theirs, it is amazing to watch. And having acted quite a bit myself, I can honestly say that there is no comparison to a standing ovation when you are watching it from the sidelines.
Who are your favorite playwrights? What are your favorite shows?
There are so many! I discover new favorites on a regular basis! I love absurdist theatre. Favorite playwrights include Christopher Durang and Harold Pinter. I also enjoy plays with strong female roles. One of my all time favorites is Anton In Show Business which features an all female cast. The play concludes with a beautiful monologue. In it the main character says this about theatre, "It's just people you know, just people doing it and watching it, but I think everybody hopes that it might turn out to be something more than that." It's so beautiful, and so truthful. My favorite (and most difficult) role was Roza Robotta in an original play, But Dust and Ash. It told the true story of a resistance movement staged by Jewish prisoners in a concentration camp. It was a very difficult experience but very inspiring. We got to spend time with the author who had actually met one of the survivors on whose story the play was based.
Describe the theatre program and its students.
Most students who participate in our theatre program are not theatre majors. Some enjoyed participating in high school and want to continue on in college. Some have never participated before but have always wanted to try it. Others consider it to be their niche and audition for every show. We have room for all of them in our program.
As with most things, you get out of it what you put into it. As an educator I feel that it is my job to get you to the next level. So at whatever level you come in on, whether it be a novice or a seasoned pro, at Hesston we want to get you ready for whatever comes next. That could be being in your church musical or auditioning for a professional theatre company.
As far as courses are concerned, most of them are performance oriented. This means that there is not a lot of "book work" but there is a lot of individual rehearsal time. The harder the student works on an individual basis, the more the instructor has to work with in the classroom. In this way, progress and the end result is largely determined by the effort put forth by the student.
What are the advantages theatre students find coming to a two-year college like Hesston?
Students who come to Hesston College come here because of the legendary "Hesston experience." That experience translates into the theatre program as well. Our smaller size ensures one on one attention and a genuine relationship formed with the students. We care about you as a person. Also, there are many more opportunities for you as a freshman and sophomore that might not have been available at a four-year school. This doesn't translate to weaker shows than a four-year institution – it means that we have the time and desire to produce excellent quality theatre with students at the freshman and sophomore level.
How do you connect with students in the program?
Theatre is an art form that asks it’s participants to go out on a limb for the sake of the story. It is my responsibility to provide a safe environment that encourages creativity. I also want to make sure that the student is enjoying the process – if it’s not fun, why do it!
What do high school students need to know about Hesston's learning environment?
I have been impressed with the high quality of instruction here at Hesston. I've even had graduates who transfer to major universities tell me that the professors here are the best that they've had! At the same time, students who need extra help are given that opportunity. Professors are always available to discuss questions or concerns, and genuinely care that the student's concerns are resolved.
Anything else you would like to tell prospective students about theatre at Hesston?
When I first came to Hesston I was immediately overwhelmed with the caring environment. Faculty and staff were so committed to their students! It is so satisfying to teach at a university where the staff takes an active role in a student's education. I firmly believe that everyone here wants what is best for each individual student and cares about the person that they are becoming and will eventually become.
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