Hello. My name is Janine Sobeck and I am a walking conundrum. I am one of the newest members of the Utah theatre community. However, oddly enough, I am also a veteran of the Utah theatre community.
How is this possible? Well, years ago I was an undergrad—and then a grad—student at Brigham Young University. I worked both in student shows as well as in the community, at places such as Tuachan, the SCERA and the now-defunct Provo Theatre Company.
Then, I left.
Moving east, I started working professionally as a dramaturg at Arena Stage in Washington, DC. (Don’t worry. If you don’t know what a dramaturg is, you soon will.) During my time at Arena, I had the great opportunity to learn, experience and be a part of the great theatre communities around the country—not only DC, but New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and more.
And now I’m back.
I’m back officially as the new Dramaturgy Specialist at BYU, but also as a very curious theatre professional. Curious to be back in the theatre community where I started, curious to see what is happening, curious to connect to others, and—above all—as a veteran newbie, curious to see what the Utah theatre community is all about.
I’ve been invited by Utah Theater Bloggers Association to share my veteran newbie adventures. You’ll see me in the reviews section of the web site, but I’ll also be chronicling my journey as I get reacquainted with the people, organizations and work of this community. I anticipate all sorts of questions, insights and (hopefully) rollicking good times ahead.
So let the adventure begin…
