The BA Theatre and Performance program has a new interim head.
On Aug. 4, Rick Reeves was asked to be interim head of the theatre and performance program for the year, replacing Greg DeCandia, the previous head of the program. Reeves will continue in his position as artist-in-residence: digital and media design. Reeves said the university will look for someone to permanently take the position.
“There will be a national search for the job,” Reeves said. “I will apply for that job because it is something I care about.”
Reeves said he has several goals in mind for the program. one of which is changing the leadership structure.
“I want to create more of a horizontal leadership structure, so everyone gets a voice in how we shape our organization this year,” Reeves said. “That way everybody feels valued, and everybody feels like they have a say.”
Reeves said he also wants to give theatre and performance students more summer opportunitites as well as expand the program’s reach to cities with more professional theater opportunities.
“Oklahoma City is far away from a lot of places like New York and Chicago, so I’m going to try to use our company meetings as time to Skype in theater artists from around the country, so our students here, and me, can learn from people we wouldn’t normally have contact with,” Reeves said.
Lauren Leppke, theatre and performance sophomore, said the change in leadership was a bit of a shock.
“It’s going to be an interesting year. I’m excited for it, but it is going to be a lot of new things to deal with,” Leppke said. “With the head of the BA changing, which I just found out about three days ago, it’s just kind of like a new territory that we are nervous about.”
Alyssa Peters, theatre and performance senior, said she is excited for Reeves to lead the program.
“He is a good person. I think he will have a lot of positive change in the program. I feel like I’ll be doing a lot with my major this year.” Peters said. “I’ve always loved the program, but with the changes he’s talked about, it just sparks a new passion and fire within me.”
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