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Risk vs. Reward

Risk vs. Reward

Dear CTSA community,

Risk Takers — a term that can mean many things to different communities. At the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, a risk taker embodies a bold and adventurous spirit, someone who embraces challenges with a future-forward vision. Our community of risk takers are unafraid to experiment, disrupt norms, and introduce new ways of seeing and thinking. They embody the traits of daring creatives who dream big, challenge the status quo, and envision an expansive future. In this issue, we highlight fearless CTSA trailblazers who paved the way for progress by embracing uncertainty through a growth mindset, forging new paths, and furthering professional pathways for the next generation.

This year, we introduced you to our model of “creative wayfinding,” how it shapes our methods of research and teaching and guides our students on their paths to becoming creative leaders in the community. In this issue, you get to meet some of our incredible students and alumni who are forging their own paths and taking the risks necessary to become those leaders. You will learn that about 25%, 1 in 4 of our students, are double majoring at UCI to innovate their career tracks. You will also meet the team behind Ears Up Sound Design, Mark Caspary and Matt Glenn, and learn how their time in the design program in the Department of Drama spurred a trailblazing company in soundtrack production. Reza Jahangiri ’00, founder of American Advisors Group, shares why he is an arts advocate and the importance of supporting students’ talent pipeline. We also bid a heartfelt bon voyage to our longtime colleague, Don Hill, chair of the drama department and an original trailblazer, as he launches into the newest chapter of his highly esteemed career.

We are also concluding our contributions to this year’s Chancellor’s Initiative, the Year of Free Speech, with programming presented by Dance and Drama. This quarter, graduate student choreographers celebrate free speech through Dance Escape 2024, with Professor S. Ama Wray serving as the artistic director. It is sure to be a showcase of extraordinary talent. Wrapping up the season, the drama department presents The Prom, co-directed by Professors Don Hill and Daniel Keeling.

It’s been a tremendous academic year, and we thank you for spending it with CTSA! We look forward to seeing you in our galleries and theaters for the remainder of the spring term.

Tiffany Ana López, Ph.D. Dean

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