Student Testimonials - Jennifer Kolody
Jennifer Kolody
Upper year Theatre Arts student
I love that the Theatre Program at Guelph is so broad, so students aren’t forced to pursue one single aspect of theatre. If you want to act, you can. If you want to try stage management, lighting, sets, costuming etc. you can. You aren’t limited to one particular discipline. Students end up leaving Guelph with the ability to find jobs because they aren’t limited to one skill. I also love that we get to know our Professors and Instructors on a personal level, and they are able to share opportunities with students for when they’re looking for jobs after Graduation. With my degree I hope to pursue a Graduate program in Costume Production at Fanshawe and eventually work in the Wardrobe department at the Stratford Festival.
What made you come and Guelph to study?
I came to Guelph to study because I fell in love with the Campus. I attended a tour in the spring and the atmosphere was so welcoming and the campus was beautiful! My cousin also went to Guelph, so I heard a lot about how amazing Guelph was from her.
Why did you study theatre?
I originally applied to Guelph for English and took the Introduction to Theatre class as an elective in my first year. I loved the course and decided to switch my Major almost immediately. I’ve always loved the theatre and have been going to performances since I was little, so being able to study something I really loved was like a dream come true. I loved Costuming and I was so happy that I could focus on the Backstage elements of the Theatre with the program that is offered here at Guelph.
What you enjoy(ed) in our program, and where you want to go with your degree?
I love that the Theatre Program at Guelph is so broad, so students aren’t forced to pursue one single aspect of theatre. If you want to act, you can. If you want to try stage management, lighting, sets, costuming etc. you can. You aren’t limited to one particular discipline. Students end up leaving Guelph with the ability to find jobs because they aren’t limited to one skill. I also love that we get to know our Professors and Instructors on a personal level, and they are able to share opportunities with students for when they’re looking for jobs after Graduation. With my degree I hope to pursue a Graduate program in Costume Production at Fanshawe and eventually work in the Wardrobe department at the Stratford Festival.
What do you think the MacKinnon North Wing renovation will mean to you / future students?
I think the MacKinnon renovation will provide future students with a dynamic learning environment where they can explore all that theatre has to offer. I think the renovations will give students and faculty a space where a wider variety of performances can be showcased to the community. Not many people know that the University of Guelph has a theatre department, so I think this renovation will help establish a hub for the theatre department that will allow the program grow and become better recognised to other students on campus.
What have been the highlights of your time at UofG?
Some of the highlights of my time at Guelph have been working with so many talented individuals on the mainstage productions that are performed at the end of every Fall Semester. I also loved working as a Costume Shop Assistant in my third year and attending the Stratford Semester which is a 2 to 3 week summer course offered to theatre students by the University of Guelph and the Stratford Festival. We got to work closely with vocal coaches from the festival and meet directors and actors involved in the festival. It was such a memorable experience!