Taylor Anderson is a theatre arts minor.
What are you studying at Pitt?
I am majoring in neuroscience, with minors in theatre arts and chemistry, in addition to pursuing the conceptual foundations of medicine certificate while on the pre-med track!
How do you see your theatre education contributing to your future goals?
I eagerly anticipate the continuation of my theatre education providing me with a safe, nurturing space for my social and creative energy to flourish. I have found within myself, through encouragement from the community, a powerful ability while in a theatre setting to emerge from the shell of seclusion and anxiety I routinely exist within which, incidentally, supports my central academic goal of becoming a doctor. Namely, learning confidence; public speaking skills; as well as how to think like, feel for, and emulate a character; directly contribute to my amelioration in patient care and empathy (both in healthcare and daily life).
Is there a research opportunity, production, internship, class, etc. that has been instrumental to your time at Pitt or in helping you form your post-graduation goals?
As a transfer student to Pitt just last year, I have not had much opportunity to explore all there is to the theatre arts department. However, I was very lucky to have been involved with the prop shop for THEA 0880 in the fall semester. This whimsical workshop was a wonderful introduction to Pitt Stages where I learned, designed, and bonded with my props crew and mentors. In the spring, I was thrilled to get cast in the musical comedy Abduction. Regularly surrounded by such kind and talented individuals motivated me to be my best self, actress, and student; additionally, this time rejuvenated my desire to continue engaging in theater post-graduation - I will always fondly remember corn fest.
As a transfer student to Pitt just last year, I have not had much opportunity to explore all there is to the theatre arts department. However, I was very lucky to have been involved with the prop shop for THEA 0880 in the fall semester. This whimsical workshop was a wonderful introduction to Pitt Stages where I learned, designed, and bonded with my props crew and mentors. In the spring, I was thrilled to get cast in the musical comedy Abduction. Regularly surrounded by such kind and talented individuals motivated me to be my best self, actress, and student; additionally, this time rejuvenated my desire to continue engaging in theater post-graduation - I will always fondly remember corn fest.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
After graduation, I hope to hold a lab research position (likely involving neurochemistry) during my gap year before attending medical school! I also plan to stay musically/artistically connected in whatever mediums are accessible, continue to tutor and volunteer, plus travel to the best of my ability.