Q&A with Kate Jordan
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
One of the main desires I had when looking for a school to pursue theatre at was to be able to get one-on-one training in my art form, but also, still get tastes of the traditional college experience. I wanted to be able to enjoy football games and fun events with friends, while simultaneously honing in on becoming an actor. I loved the faculty and the range of classes they offered. There are stage combat classes and courses where I can learn Irish and Shakespearean dialects, which really enticed me to audition because that meant I would get the chance to become well-rounded. To be honest, Ole Miss did give me the most money out of any school I applied to, which did help me choose to come here, but it was not the money that just stood out; it truly felt like Ole Miss wanted me here. They are very welcoming, and especially since coming from Georgia, I knew I needed to give myself a new environment, and Ole Miss felt like a second home.
One of the main desires I had when looking for a school to pursue theatre at was to be able to get one-on-one training in my art form, but also, still get tastes of the traditional college experience. I wanted to be able to enjoy football games and fun events with friends, while simultaneously honing in on becoming an actor. I loved the faculty and the range of classes they offered. There are stage combat classes and courses where I can learn Irish and Shakespearean dialects, which really enticed me to audition because that meant I would get the chance to become well-rounded. To be honest, Ole Miss did give me the most money out of any school I applied to, which did help me choose to come here, but it was not the money that just stood out; it truly felt like Ole Miss wanted me here. They are very welcoming, and especially since coming from Georgia, I knew I needed to give myself a new environment, and Ole Miss felt like a second home.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
To be very frank, being a BFA in Acting takes a lot of dedication and hard work outside of classes. You really need to want it. That does not mean I don't have free time. I hang out with friends a lot and go to so many events on and off campus, but you have to go in knowing your priorities, especially with rehearsals and crew for shows. I think it is important to also know that many of your classes will be with the same people every day. You become very close with them very fast, which I think is one of the greatest blessings about this major. That bond also goes for the teachers. They want you to do well, just like your classmates, which I believe takes away the pressure of feeling like you need to be the best.
To be very frank, being a BFA in Acting takes a lot of dedication and hard work outside of classes. You really need to want it. That does not mean I don't have free time. I hang out with friends a lot and go to so many events on and off campus, but you have to go in knowing your priorities, especially with rehearsals and crew for shows. I think it is important to also know that many of your classes will be with the same people every day. You become very close with them very fast, which I think is one of the greatest blessings about this major. That bond also goes for the teachers. They want you to do well, just like your classmates, which I believe takes away the pressure of feeling like you need to be the best.
Why is your department a special place?
The theatre department is a very special place because you get the opportunity to make relationships really quickly, with students and teachers. Because of how quickly those bonds develop, it creates a very familial environment, which is very calming, especially going into freshman year. I was also very intimidated by the fact that there are so many talented upperclassmen, but because of that familial bond, it throws away the division between grade levels. This allows the company to really support one another, either auditioning for shows or working in class. While it is not always sunshine and rainbows in college, it’s nice to know that there is a group of people supporting you, especially when coming into a huge SEC school.
The theatre department is a very special place because you get the opportunity to make relationships really quickly, with students and teachers. Because of how quickly those bonds develop, it creates a very familial environment, which is very calming, especially going into freshman year. I was also very intimidated by the fact that there are so many talented upperclassmen, but because of that familial bond, it throws away the division between grade levels. This allows the company to really support one another, either auditioning for shows or working in class. While it is not always sunshine and rainbows in college, it’s nice to know that there is a group of people supporting you, especially when coming into a huge SEC school.
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
One of the classes that had the most impact on me was Movement 1. It is taught by one of the most amazing professors, Lauren Bone Noble. I was very timid going into freshman year, so putting myself out there was definitely more on the scary side. Most of my classes took time to really dive into the work, but Movement 1 started the first day with my classmates and me running around the room with people I barely knew. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone, trying things that would be typically seen as weird. It allowed me to create close relationships with my classmates, but I also gained new confidence in myself. Especially with the support of the professor, I feel much more prepared to take on the responsibilities and dedication my major requires.
One of the classes that had the most impact on me was Movement 1. It is taught by one of the most amazing professors, Lauren Bone Noble. I was very timid going into freshman year, so putting myself out there was definitely more on the scary side. Most of my classes took time to really dive into the work, but Movement 1 started the first day with my classmates and me running around the room with people I barely knew. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone, trying things that would be typically seen as weird. It allowed me to create close relationships with my classmates, but I also gained new confidence in myself. Especially with the support of the professor, I feel much more prepared to take on the responsibilities and dedication my major requires.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
I mean the dream would be to move to New York City and perform on a Broadway stage. While I am hoping to pursue that after I graduate from Ole Miss, I know that as an artist, a huge goal of mine is to always have an outlet to be creative. I am really interested in choreography, so I would love to work at dance studios or choreograph musicals. I aspire to be a successful artist, whether that be as an actor on stage, directing, or behind the scenes.
I mean the dream would be to move to New York City and perform on a Broadway stage. While I am hoping to pursue that after I graduate from Ole Miss, I know that as an artist, a huge goal of mine is to always have an outlet to be creative. I am really interested in choreography, so I would love to work at dance studios or choreograph musicals. I aspire to be a successful artist, whether that be as an actor on stage, directing, or behind the scenes.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
If I could tell my past self one piece of advice before freshman year, I would say that your worth is not defined by everyone else's success. In the first couple of weeks here, I saw everyone becoming friends so quickly, and it felt like people were already ahead in the social game. Every time I tried to introduce myself, it felt like no friends or groups were sticking. I truly was beating myself up for it, feeling like I was not going to find my place like everyone promised I would. Within a month or two, I found friends that I do not go a day without seeing now. I would have saved myself a lot of stress and worry if I had understood that no one's path and successes are the same. It might take time, but you'll find your place.
If I could tell my past self one piece of advice before freshman year, I would say that your worth is not defined by everyone else's success. In the first couple of weeks here, I saw everyone becoming friends so quickly, and it felt like people were already ahead in the social game. Every time I tried to introduce myself, it felt like no friends or groups were sticking. I truly was beating myself up for it, feeling like I was not going to find my place like everyone promised I would. Within a month or two, I found friends that I do not go a day without seeing now. I would have saved myself a lot of stress and worry if I had understood that no one's path and successes are the same. It might take time, but you'll find your place.
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