Faces of ITS: Casey Scott

Casey Scott

How has theatre impacted your life?
How hasn’t theatre impacted my life? Most of my friends I met through theatre or theatre arts-related activities. It gives me a purpose to keep moving forward. I serve as Iowa’s STO Chair and the public relations manager for Troupe 3994. Theatre has taught me that there is always another line to learn and another person to meet. Never stop when you think you’re finished because you’re not.

What is one lesson you’ve learned from theatre?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from theatre has been patience and tolerance. Whether it was waiting for a scene partner to get that last line down or learning to accept all types of cultures in your theatre department, theatre has always allowed me to see another perspective. But this is only one of the many, many lessons theatre has taught me, which goes to show why theatre education is so valuable and needs to be fought for in American schools. This is why I’m working with theatre leaders all across the country on an advocacy movement called the One Theatre Movement. You can follow @onetheatremvmt on Instagram for more information.

What has been your favorite theatre experience so far?
My favorite theatre experience was the opening night of the first show I was in, Les Misérables. It’s cheesy, I know, but just hearing the audience “ooh” and “aah” at the lighting and the passion so eloquently displayed onstage was simply remarkable. Every show since then has possessed a similar grandeur in its ability to capture an audience, but that first one was special to me.

Who is your theatre hero?
My theatre heroes are all the high school Thespians and advocates working together during the reign of the novel coronavirus. Whether it be to make a show happen or to advocate for something you’re passionate about (theatre, of course), cooperation is what inspires progress and, in turn, a brighter tomorrow. Too often we fail to recognize the power we have when we work together (even if it isn’t in person), but every one of us has a spark that can be a light in the dark for somebody else.

What theatrical character or show best describes your life?
The theatrical show that best describes my life right now is probably Big Fish. More specifically, Edward Bloom because he is just so grandiose and lighthearted. Even though his plans don’t always go his way, he keeps a positive outlook and his eyes on the horizon. Also, my promposal was basically the song “Daffodils.”