ABOUT ROUNDABOUT


ROUNDABOUT THEATRE COMPANY Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director/CEO) is committed to producing the highest-quality theatre with the finest artists, sharing stories that endure and providing accessibility to all audiences. A not-for-profit company founded in 1965, Roundabout fulfills its mission each season through the production of classic plays and musicals; development and production of new works by established and emerging writers; educational initiatives that enrich the lives of children and adults; and a subscrip- tion model and audience outreach programs that cultivate and engage all audiences. Roundabout presents this work on its five stages and across the country through national tours. Roundabout has been recognized with 36 Tonys®, 51 Drama Desks, 62 Outer Critics Circle, 12 Obie and 18 Lucille Lortel Awards. More information on Roundabout’s mission, history and programs can be found by visiting roundabouttheatre.org.


2016-2017 SEASON


STAFF SPOTLIGHT: INTERVIEW WITH AALIYAH STEWART, THEATRICAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FELLOW


Ted Sod: Where were you born, and where did you go to school? What were your favorite subjects to study? Aaliyah Stewart: Born and raised in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, I grew up always being able to walk to school because I didn’t have much of a choice as to where I went. So, high school was my chance to explore, and I found myself at Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts. I've always been involved with performing and all things creative, and I was a huge history nerd. Class discussions about the book of the semester helped erupt inner discoveries in my mind. I loved delving into characters and asking myself hard questions that aren't spelled out in the books.


TS: When did you get involved in the programs for students offered at Roundabout? AS: I graduated from High School in June of 2014. That was the year I made my presence known at Roundabout by becoming a student ambassador. I learned business management 101 and what it means to be a professional in this industry. At the same time, I met and collaborated with students from Roundabout’s partner schools and on a published play that's being performed all over the country. I joined the Student Production Workshop (SPW), which gives students the opportunity to produce their own work: we build the sets, design the lights and costumes, write, direct, and market the play. I was working in retail when I received the email about the launch of the Theatrical Workforce Development Program (TWDP), and I applied and was accepted.


TS: Describe what you do as part of RTC's Theatrical Workforce Development Program. AS: All the participants of TWDP spread out to theatres across the city, gaining hands on work experience this summer. I went to Dixon Place, where we built Q-lab show files from scratch, set up mics, and did live mixes. There isn't a day that goes by where I'm not challenged. Every two weeks, we submit a journal about who we met and what shows we’re working on and whether or not we’ve been in contact with our IATSE (International Alliance for Theatrical Stage Employees) mentors.


TS: What do you like best about the Theatrical Workforce Development Program? What is most challenging about it? AS: My favorite thing about TWDP is that I finally have a job I like and that I am proud of. As long as I’m working in someone's theatre, I’m happy. I love being a technician. There's always new gear to learn about. There's a whole energy that comes with being a theatre person. My biggest challenge is reminding myself that I am capable and convincing myself to take risks.


TS: What are your future goals and aspirations? AS: I want to become a better programmer and learn from professional lighting designers. I want to get better at drafting for both lighting and carpentry. I want to take photography more seriously, and a dream is to shoot the season collections of my favorite brands. Hopefully, I will build my own theatre from the ground up and work as my own artistic and technical director. I want to make and be a part of theatre that engages all people.•


Learn more at roundabouttheatre.org. Find us on: TIME AND THE CONWAYS UPSTAGE GUIDE 23


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