"[Amherst works] sets up a way for people who probably haven't been formally introduced to [performance spaces on campus] to use the spaces, and gives the [theater and dance] department a safety net," said O'Brien. "It allows students to fit their requests into what the department can handle … the department doesn't have to worry that groups will misuse unfamiliar equipment or not keep the space in shape." Groups that did productions through amherst works had an easier time getting props and rehearsal time and they were offered some funding. O'Brien was also able to hire technical directors, stage managers and crew for some productions.
O'Brien used amherst works to produce five shows this past year. "Fall was crazy … I was trying to do productions and I sort of figured people would be lining up, but for first semester I didn't have anybody," she said. She still managed to put together three shows during first semester.
O'Brien's first show consisted of seven short plays written by female graduates, and happened appropriately during homecoming weekend. The second production was a one-day affair, with career panels of theater and dance professionals and discussion groups with theater and dance majors. When a group from UMass called in a panic, saying they had just lost their performance space, O'Brien saw an opportunity for a third amherst works production. The performance, called Mapaki, was by a guest artist from New Zealand who did a one woman show.
During the second semester, O'Brien had five proposals from groups wanting to use amherst works resources. "Actual decisions had to be made!" said O'Brien. In March, she produced Momentary Collision for Aimée Gonzalez '02. In April, she combined two other proposals for the second production, called "FOB" and "The Orpheus Project," which happened on three nights but were two distinct shows. "Overall, about 70 students were involved with my thesis," said O'Brien.
O'Brien hopes amherst works will continue to function in the future, although the specifics are not currently outlined. "It's going to be hard to separate the resources I got to use because this was my thesis, from those that are appropriate for others managing amherst works as a project," she said.
Thesis advisors are integral to any thesis project, and O'Brien's were no exception. Professors of Theater and Dance Wendy Woodson and Suzanne Dougan advised O'Brien's project, offering support but ultimately allowing her to figure things out on her own. "They were very supportive, but they pushed me a lot, especially in the beginning," said O'Brien. 'They wanted the project to come from me, but if I was having trouble they helped me figure out what to do."
Having two thesis advisors is a situation that could have been confusing to some, but O'Brien and her advisors handled it well. "It was interesting having two advisors," said O'Brien. "Sometimes I was bounced back and forth, but it worked out. They balanced each other."
O'Brien was involved in theater and dance in middle school and high school, but did not expect to be extensively involved at the College. "I thought I wanted to be involved in theater after college, but I was going to take a break," said O'Brien. Her involvement during her first semester of her freshmen year was limited to a first year seminar offered by the theater and dance department. "I basically went through withdrawal," said O'Brien. "All of the things I wanted to do here added up to being a theater major."
O'Brien said that while she is very proud of amherst works, the highlight of her year was being an RC on the second floor of North. "I had great residents. It's an odd coincidence how well we fit together," said O'Brien. Two of her residents helped with the technical aspects of amherst works productions, while another was in one of her shows. "[My residents] have been lots of fun … they are crazy in all the right ways," she added. O'Brien said that while it was sometimes difficult to be a senior in a freshmen dorm, she appreciated not being constantly surrounded by senior stress related to theses and finding jobs. "It was new to them when I complained. I felt like they were really listening," she said.
O'Brien will continue her involvement in theater next year in Seattle, Wash. spending the year as an arts management intern at the Seattle Repertory Theater.