“If you’re filled with affection you’re too shy to convey, better take my direction.”
– You’re the One That I Want, John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John (Grease)
When I think back to my time in college, I think about days spent as a theatre minor. I was a minority among a majority of theatre majors with whom I shared my creative classes. When I wasn’t fulfilling the requirements of my minor I was taking major specific classes in the area of Communication and Media Studies.
The most memorable personalities that stick out in my mind are the ones who were able to for whatever reason evoke emotions whether or not they were aware of it at the time. One of these individuals was Julie Skrzypek. My theatre classes in many ways felt like a welcome relief from the chaos that was life in general at times in large part because of bright, hilarious personalities such as hers. Julie’s wicked sense of humor was something to look forward to when I had experienced a particularly trying time.
If someone suggested that you spend your educational career reading and writing stories and acting them out, wouldn’t you jump at the chance? I definitely enjoyed the amount of creative freedom the environment created.
I think that’s what I remember most: the amount of creativity and openness flowing through the room when my classmates shared their story ideas or put their talents on display while directing a scene or delivering a monologue. One such moment that sticks out is a class reading of The Laramie Project. The play explores the responses to a hate crime committed in 1998 against Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming.
When the time came for Julie to deliver her lines, she was choked up, and understandably so. One thing was for sure, she felt the source material. It was a part of her. That came across loud and clear. When I learned she founded a theatre company, it was no surprise. It sounded to me like a natural fit.
After graduating, Julie took internships, became a professional stage manager and director. She joined The Weird Sisters Theatre Project in 2016 as a co-producer. The company describes its mission as one that “creates theatre by women, for everyone, and is committed to cultivating opportunities for female artists, both onstage and off.”
Presently, Julie is the Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Theatre Buford with friend and creative partner Justin Walker. The theatre is located about 40 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. There is a schedule of upcoming shows to see including A Christmas Carol beginning December 6, The Importance of Being Earnest in February 2020 and Grease in April 2020.
I don’t think I’ll ever apply anything but positive associations to the theatre department of my Alma mater or the laughter I discovered Julie has the ability to bring.
You can find more information about Theatre Buford and tickets here: https://www.bufordcommunitycenter.com/events/.