We’re thrilled to launch Youtheatre Encore Spotlights, a special feature where we’ll be highlighting one Youtheatre Alum every month. We will not only be celebrating the memories, roles, and moments that helped shape them, but also see where they are today.
If Youtheatre was part of your story, we’d love to keep in touch through Youtheatre Encore, our new Alumni Association. Stay connected as we plan special alumni gatherings and launch a newsletter packed with updates, memories, and Youtheatre fun.
If you are a Youtheatre Alum who would like to be featured or know one who should be featured, please email all contact information to education@mcpa.org.
Isaac Dryden
"Being responsible for some of the technical decisions helped to give me some confidence voicing my opinion that I might not otherwise have gained."
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In what ways did your experience with Youtheatre influence who you are today—both personally and professionally?
One of the biggest impacts from my time in Youtheatre was the experience of working both with kids my age and also adults. Working on a project with a group of kids your age is very different than working on a project with folks of all ages. Being part of the technical crew also gave me the opportunity to take responsibility for some of the creative decisions behind the sound, lighting, and set design. Being responsible for some of the technical decisions helped to give me some confidence voicing my opinion that I might not otherwise have gained.
What lessons, skills, or values from your time in Youtheatre continue to shape your life or work today?
Personal responsibility, teamwork, leadership, creativity, and trust
Is there a specific production, role, or moment from Youtheatre that has stayed with you over the years? What makes it meaningful to you?
I participated in Youtheatre for a number of years and I think different productions had different meanings to me. I remember during my first production, Seussical, I was very nervous but excited to learn new things and help out. In some of the later productions, my role was very different and I had the opportunity to mentor and teach those new nervous kids about all the ins and outs of technical theatre.
Where has life taken you since your Youtheatre days? Share a bit about your current career, creative work, or passions.
I attended Harding University and earned a degree in Software Development. Since then, I have been working various software-related jobs in Tennessee and now back in Findlay. I enjoy carpentry and woodworking as hobbies and still use skills I learned from set construction in my projects.
What advice or encouragement would you share with today’s Youtheatre students?
Enjoy your time in theatre. It goes by quickly but some of my most enjoyable times in high school came from Youtheatre so make sure to appreciate it!
Youtheatre Encore Form