One of our alum!
We're proud to have NHS Drama alum working in the theatre industry. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Katie!
Kathryn (Katie) Brinkman
Class of 2014
NHS Stage Credits: Urinetown* (Little Sally), Laramie Project*, The Drowsy Chaperone* (Mrs. Tottendale), Feiffer's People, Kiss Me Kate (Hattie), Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten*, Fame (Lambchops)
*denotes Elenbe or Stars of Tomorrow recognition
What did you do right after high school graduation?
After high school I attended Temple University for my Bachelors in Theatre Studies. I originally planned on studying acting, but early on shifted my focus to Stage Management.
What is your current career?
My current career consists of quite a few jobs. Mainly I'm the Assistant Production Manager for Nazareth College Arts Center and an Electrician for Geva Theatre Center. I am also an overhire stagehand for The local 25 Stagehand Union, and University of Buffalo.
How did your participation in Drama Club affect your career path?
Drama club at Newark High School changed my life. It showed me I could make a career in Theatre if I wanted badly enough, and believe me I did. I had some other interests in life that you could turn into a career, but theatre was my passion. It still is. It was an accepting world full of collaboration and expression and I decided I was going to be a part of it for the rest of my life. So I looked at theatre schools and went from there.
What is your advice for NHS students wanting to pursue a career or life in the arts?
If you want to pursue a life in the arts, be open to finding other interests within your field. I'm not just one type of theatre artist, I'm a ton of different things all at once. That's what helps pay the bills and fill the gaps in between your main gig. Don't pigeonhole yourself.
photos at work as lightboard and spotlight op at Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY (and a throwback pic to her senior year musical at NHS!)
