by Tammy Neely Bates, Staff writer
Staff Photo by Tammy Neely Bates
“It never occurred to me that I could have a career in theatre,” said Kathleen Hardgrove, assistant professor of theatre.
“I grew up in a small town and didn’t know anyone in theatre”, said Hardgrove.
Hardgrove comes from the small town of Wewoka where she graduated high school and went on to attend college at Northeastern Oklahoma and later transferred to Southeastern, at the age of 21, where she obtained a major in theatre and minors in communication and literature, said Hardgrove.
“It wasn’t until I transferred to Southeastern that I realized I could have a career in theatre”, said Hardgrove. “If you want a career in theatre, Southeastern is the best place to learn how.”
She worked seven summers with the Oklahoman Shakespearean Festival as an actor under the direction of Molly Risso , the founder of the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival.
“Molly Risso was my mentor at Southeastern. She taught me life skills,” said Hargrove. As an undergraduate, she also taught children’s theatre in private schools, said Hardgrove
Hardgrove obtained a Masters in fine arts from LSU and then she taught and acted in New York, Connecticut and Los Angeles.
Hardgrove came back to Southeastern in 2007 to teach theatre appreciation and interpersonal communication and to be the theatre costume designer, said Hardgrove.
“I had such good training at Southeastern”, said Hardgrove. “I came back to teach because I agreed with their teaching philosophy. The position is an odd mixture but it fits me perfectly”, said Hardgrove.
“My responsibility is to design the costumes, but some students like to design too”, said Hardgrove. “All lights and sounds are done by students”, said Hardgrove.
Aside from being the costume designer, she also teaches some theatre classes and interpersonal communication, said Hardgrove.
“I get such a kick out of teaching Interpersonal Communication, I learn something new each semester and I love teaching Theatre Appreciation.” said Hardgrove.
“I came back here to encourage students to follow their dreams,” said Hardgrove.
Hardgrove said students learn work ethic and she reminds students to be fearless and know that no matter where their careers take them; there are always alumni a phone call away.
Hardgrove said some alumni come back from New York to tell the theatre majors what life is like in the “Big City”.
Elena Lewis, a fourth year theatre major, said, “I love working for Kathleen. She never fails to capture the character she is costuming.”
Lewis works in the costume shop with Hardgrove and performs in some plays.
“She is funny and my job functions include finding her glasses. She has been my mentor and helps those to find their abilities and dreams. She is amazing”, said Lewis.
Domanick Hubbard, a first year theatre major, said, “She was kind of intimidating at first but became more of a mother figure. She works really hard to get us ready for the future. My favorite part is she lets us listen to music while we work.”
Hubbard said, “She really cares about the people she works with.”