Kurt Meinhardt ?23

Kurt Meinhardt

Class Year

’23

Hometown

Island Lake, Illinois

Major(s)

Technical Theatre

“I’m surprised every week by my knowledge of theatre. The skills I’ve gained allow me to believe in myself so much more.”

Kurt Meinhardt, ’23

Career goal

“I am pursuing a career in projection design for theatre while also doing some play writing on the side. As an artist, I strive to continue making a change in this country.”

How have Carthage faculty had an impact on your life or Carthage career?

“The theatre faculty at Carthage are here for your success. They begin to become part of your chosen family as you spend hours every day in the theatre space. They allow you to grow at your own pace and never push you to advance faster than you feel comfortable. Theatre is such a welcoming environment, and the faculty here make it warm and equal for all who come into the space.”

Favorite class

“My favorite class so far has to be Theatre for Children. This class helped me understand many different aspects of theatre. I got to co-write my first children’s play and learn the basic fundamentals of directing, producing, and designing. It is a class in which I truly learned the value of teaching and showing theatre to young adults and children.”

Toughest class

“Playwriting was a very tough class for me because, in order to write a play I loved, I had to dig deep and write about some downfalls in my life. The class demands a creative and collaborative mindset in which your peers judge the script, but not the content.”

Internships or on-campus employment

“I have worked in the campus scene shop. It is a really great thing to be paid to do things I love. I also honed some of my skills and explored new ones.”

Opportunities at Carthage

“I have helped design a few main stage-productions at Carthage and worked on almost every show in the 2021-22 season.”

Scholarships

“I have a few Carthage scholarships, but the theatre scholarship is most meaningful to me because it shows me that the faculty really want to see me succeed in the theatre program.”

Favorite moments and memories at Carthage

“I enjoy just getting to room with my best friends. It is really nice to be able to relax and laugh with friends after an exhausting day of working on a show or being at rehearsal.”

Favorite spot on campus

“The best spot on campus is anywhere by Lake Michigan. You can eat lunch, study, or just walk by the lake. It is beautiful year round, especially when there is a big, bright moon over it.”

Biggest surprise so far

“I’m surprised every week by my knowledge of theatre. The skills I’ve gained allow me to believe in myself so much more.”

What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?

“My 8-year-old self wanted to do theatre, but he also wanted to be a chef. I think he would be ecstatic that I chose this path because it has allowed me more room to grow and be who I want to be.”

Why should other students consider your major? What advice do you have for them?

“As a technical theatre major, expect to discover new things about yourself. You will take classes ranging from design to performance-based classes so that you become a well-rounded artist. Never be too afraid to try things in college. It is so amazing when you realize that you do indeed have the strength to perform a short monologue in front of other artists. You will also begin the path to mastering your preferred area of theatre, and it is such a beautiful journey aided by the wonderful faculty.”

Why Carthage?

“Carthage was at the top of my list for many years because it is a Lutheran college. After visiting campus, I realized that the College’s values are something I also hold for myself. I hope to spread passion, love, and knowledge after I graduate, which is what Carthage professors teach.”