B.F.A. Theatre Arts Major Visits National Constitution Center and Sees Hamilton on Broadway as Part of “If You Were in the Room” Experience with PA Humanities

Meet Anna King Skeels '24

Major/Program: Theatre Arts
Minor: Social justice studies
College Activities: Student Government Association, Honors Program, Ghostlight Theatre Company, WPPJ, Book Club
Hometown: Baltimore, Md.
High School: Towson High School
Dream Job: Playwright/actor
Hobbies & Interests: Reading, music and vinyl, National Parks, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

"As a Point Park student you create your own path. Especially as a theatre arts student, you get to direct your own education. The resources available to us, both at school and in the Pittsburgh area, are plentiful. There is so much opportunity for education everywhere you look."

Anna King Skeels '24

What drew you to pursue a degree in theatre arts at Point Park University?

I wanted a well-rounded theatre education that would teach me performance but also give me a background in as many other aspects of theatre as possible, so that'd I'd have the skill set to work in the industry. Additionally, I was drawn to the city location of Point Park in Downtown Pittsburgh.

How has your involvement in the theatre arts program allowed you to explore relevant topics and issues through art?

I've pursued a social justice studies minor alongside my theatre arts major that has allowed me to engage in relevant community issues and protest. Classes like Experimental Theatre and Theatre History also gave me a lens to study justice-centered art, as well as the history and present of art as protest. In classes such as Playwriting and Directing, I got to center my art making on topics I want to work with, which often points toward social justice and marginalization. They allow me to flex both my creative and activist muscles.

Tell us about your recent experience with PA Humanities to visit the National Constitution Center and see Hamilton on Broadway.

I had an absolute blast on the "If You Were in The Room" trip! I was stopped on the street near Village Park on campus one day and asked if I'd do an interview for a chance to win Hamilton tickets. I was thrilled when I realized the questions were about the Constitution and how I would change it because I can talk endlessly on this subject.

I excitedly rambled my answer and then continued my walk home. A couple of months later, I received an email that my video submission was chosen. A group of 10 of us — and our plus ones — traveled to Philadelphia to see the National Constitution Center (it was as grand and spectacular as it sounds) and then boarded buses to New York City to see Hamilton on Broadway.

After the show, we all filed into the front rows of the theater and I snagged a fallen Reynolds' pamphlet. The actors came out and spoke to us about the show and its historical/constitutional implications, Ham4Justice, and their experiences on the show. We had the best day!

Video: "If You Were in the Room"

How has this experience and other opportunities at Point Park fostered your growth as an artist?

At Point Park, there have been so many opportunities where you just have to say yes and dive in to see an incredible benefit. I've learned to trust myself and my knowledge while in school here, which is what allowed me to give an off-the-cuff answer on the street that led to my "In The Room" experience. I knew I was capable of expressing myself.

A big lesson for me at Point Park has been taking the steps to make sure what you know you want will come to fruition. I came in knowing I wanted to learn more about puppetry, and when a professor gave us a chance to do some puppetry work as an extracurricular activity, I immediately signed up and I gained that training and knowledge. Being given the foundations in class and taking the chances to dive deeper on my own time has given me confidence and understanding of my own artistic pursuits.

What’s the best part about being a Point Park student?

As a Point Park student you create your own path. Especially as a theatre arts student, you get to direct your own education. The resources available to us, both at school and in the Pittsburgh area, are plentiful. Get a job at a theater downtown. Audition for student work. Produce a play you wrote. Study directing. Get one-on-one advice from your professors who are working professionals in the area you are living in. There is so much opportunity for education everywhere you look.

What are your career goals?

I am pursuing playwriting and performance. It is my goal to perform in the work I write. I want to experience as much art as humanly possible. I also aim to do social justice work both through the art I create and within the theatre community.

B.F.A. Theatre Arts Major Visits National Constitution Center and Sees Hamilton on Broadway as Part of “If You Were in the Room” Experience with PA Humanities Student Profile