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A theatre major and DACE student fellow, most of Deal’s favorite memories of �ʼһ��� involve the performing arts — the annual student-led production of Rocky Horror Picture Show remains a highlight. She also worked as the senior fellow alongside DACE Director Sherry Nelson, providing opportunities for students across all disciplines to tap into their creative sides. 

“It was the best professional and creative experience I could have hoped for,” Deal said. “I saw how important it was for students to have space to create without the pressure to be perfect.”

Her fellowship included writing and reviewing Spike! Grants, offered to students of all majors pursuing extracurricular art projects. She also helped organize everything from mural painting to independent plays to students busking by the Chambers flagpole, which allowed Deal to develop a skill set she’d bring to her theatre production and management roles after graduating. 

“Theatre is one of the most collaborative art forms,” she said. “It’s all about teamwork, storytelling and acknowledging the human condition. I think that skillset translates to a really helpful professional mindset. There can be a lot of different personalities in the arts. I’ve learned to be very team-oriented and to take everything with a sense of humor.”

Managing larger theatre groups, Deal began to miss working directly with students. Watching the rapid expansion of DACE and the introduction of the DACE Studio, she knew �ʼһ��� was a place ripe for growth and community building.