I Sometimes Wonder Where I Would Be If I Hadn’t Quit Theatre.

[I began my theatre journey in the fourth grade at University Park Creative Arts School. With no role or speaking lines I was an ensemble choir member in Frog and Toad.

The stage so conveniently placed in our tiny gym transformed into a theatre that captivated me blossoming a complicated relationship.

What was once one of my passions drowned in a sea full of catty drama and favoritism. My dreams to sing show tunes in between high kicks and the occasional Shakespeare floated to the back brain, and I left theatre for good.

This week though, I got the opportunity to profile Sanai Hyman, a Professional Theatre student at North Carolina A&T for my photojournalism homework.

This is my story “Stage Right: The Continuing Legacy of Susan B.Dudley]

The Theatre Arts Department was built on the ideas and passions of a black woman and that story is continuing with third year Professional Theatre student, Sanai Hyman.

According the the North Carolina A&T State University, Theatre Arts website, the vision of this department is to produce theatre that reflects the human experience from, but not limited to, an African American perspective inclusive of supporting new works and experimental theatre. It is also to become the premier training program in acting and theatre technology that uses the arts as a means to impact local, national, and international communities.

This vision began in 1898 when Susan B. Dudley, wife of James B. Dudley founded the A&M players. She expanded her love for English literature through her teachings in coordinated dramatics and debates.

According to NCpedia, during her tenure as “nominal” leader of dramatics, she wrote, produced and directed a number of plays along with writing N.C. A&T's Alma Mater, which she is most famous for.

123 years later her legacy is alive and well, and I got up, close, and personal with one of her successors.

"Greensboro is such a unique place because there is not too much going on, but it's like just enough."

Hailing from Maryland but recently relocated to Dallas, Sanai Hyman began her theatre journey at the tender age of 5 years old.

From the very beginning when she would put on shows for her parents with the barbie karaoke machine that they had gifted her she always valued the community aspect of the arts.

This value is what brought her to the Theatre Arts Department here at N.C. A&T.

"At the end of the day when they finish whatever engineering homework, they're going home and turning on the TV."

With every journey comes hills and valleys. For Sanai those valleys include people who couldn't see that same value in a Professional Theatre degree.

At first she found herself having to defend her choices because we attend a technical school. But after a while she stopped and realized that they need us just as much as we need them. There is opportunity and stability in the arts. And this University is using its curriculum to ensure this for upcoming graduates like Sanai.

Outside of the University Sanai has faced challenges being a black woman in a historically white space.

Through her studies and her break out role Charlayne Woodard in the production Pretty Fire, Sanai has grown as a person and found joy in all things helping her to be more present.

"Being in that space challenged me so much. And helped me to grow physically - but also in like confidence."

The physical walls of this department has awarded Sanai the opportunity to regain a new level of confidence in her talents.

After an injury that put her dance career on pause she entered the dance studio for the first time for a movement class that would help her mentally and physically.

The open space lined with a wide mirror, reflecting off the ballet bar provided comfort and escape from the outside world.

And when she was ready to share her growth with the world again I learned more about her love for the physical theatre.

"So much happens in that theatre - tears, bonding, everything you can think of.”

From the first day to the final curtain call Sanai is pushing herself to indescribable heights. Her first production she danced with an injured knee. This pivotal moment is one of many memories she has made in the Paul Robeson Little Theatre.

A combination of 8 a.m. voice classes and impactful professors have prepared her to face the many challenges it comes with putting on a production. But this tight knit community expands outside of the stage.

She tells of her Acting 1 class ripping away everything she thought she knew about acting and helping her to reimagine her craft, ultimately creating bonds that are like family to her.

“There have been times where students have had Thanksgiving with our professors because they couldn't go home.”

Because this department has nurtured Sanai and cultivated her creativity she now wants to spread the love outside of the Paul Robeson Little Theatre.

She currently serves on the Honors Program e-board where she implements creativity and her theatre background into unconventional spaces. Some of work includes playlist and artist showcases for the other honors students.

"I want to be the person who brings creativity to serve others."

And that she will.

[Reflection: To develop my premise for the Disciplines project I researched the Theatre Arts Department on the NCAT website. It is here where I learned that the program began with Susan B. Dudley’s Theatre Arts Division. This led me to do more research on her life and contributions to the program on NCpedia. Her passion for English and drama inspired me so when I was presented with the opportunity to interview Sanai Hyman for this project, I jumped on it.

Shot with a canon 5DS I choose to edit these photos black and white because when we see B&W we usually associate it with history and Sanai is actively a part of the history of this program. I think the B&W also adds to the seriousness but soft tone of this story. I think it adds a level of drama. (No pun intended) 

Shooting this set was smooth, I didn’t have any trouble physically getting it done, allowing me to do it all in one day.

It took me 7 hours over the course of 1 day to complete this project. I spent about 1 hour shooting the photos, 2 hours editing the photos, and 3 hours making the. I spent 1 hour doing research.]