Carrie Colton, assistant professor of drama from Salt Lake City, Utah, is co-creator of the new Shakespeare Project, a community theatre program.  At JSU, she teaches Introduction to Theatre, Voice, Directing, and Acting. She is currently writing a paper to be presented at the Shakespeare Association in May 2019.

Professor Colton had no plans to teach when she began her undergraduate degree, but looking back, she said, “It kind of fell in my lap at a time when I really needed it. I was going to be a lawyer—it would have been a sad life indeed.”

She is grateful for the career choice she made because her students are the best part of her job: “They keep me working every day!” she explained. “They come from diverse backgrounds and keep me learning all of the time.”

Introduction to Theatre is Professor Colton’s favorite class to teach each year because it is a foundation for drama students. “I like seeing the spark in the students’ eyes,” she stated, “and I really like making other people into theatre nerds.”

She is especially excited about the musical show she and her fellow “theatre nerds” in the drama department are working on this year.  “Come see COMPANY!” she advised. “It’s one of my favorite musicals!” Company will be performed March 8^th-11^th in Stone Center.

Professor Colton’s passion for students extends beyond the walls of JSU. The paper she is now working on for the Shakespeare Association is about The Shakespeare Project, which is a professional theatre company she started last year that aims to help with reading comprehension in local schools. She looks forward to both the paper presentation and the opportunity to influence her own community by doing what she loves.

Last year, The Shakespeare Project brought professional actors from all over the country to Anniston to perform Julius Caesar.  Over 2000 students from sixteen schools and around 700 community members enjoyed the performance.  In August 2019, the Shakespeare Project will feature Macbeth.

Professor Colton’s advice to college students is: “College is the best 4 years of your life. Take every opportunity to push yourself and get involved. Your best friends come from college, and the road to who you will be as a person starts here. Make the most of it.” The road she took in college led her to be a person who loves hiking, biking, swimming, dancing, watching movies, and teaching at JSU.