Hands-On Learning Takes Center Stage for EWU Student

1. Home
2. Stories

Communication Studies and Theatre double major Taylor Clement is gaining hands-on experience as a stage manager, combining leadership, organization, and creativity to bring theatrical productions to life.

After beginning her college journey as a Running Start student focused on Communication Studies, Taylor Clement rediscovered her passion for live performance and added Theatre as a second major.

Now a junior, Clement serves as a stage manager for the EWU Theatre program. She coordinates productions, manages rehearsal schedules and logistics, cues technical elements, and helps ensure seamless collaboration among directors, actors, and designers. She also supports the department's social media and publicity efforts, gaining experience both onstage and behind the scenes.

Clement recently helped lead the annual New Works Festival and says the hands-on learning opportunities at EWU have strengthened her confidence. "I think the most rewarding part of this past show was just believing in myself," she says.

"The best way to learn to produce a show is to get in there and do it."

Applied learning happens inside the classroom, too. "You're not just showing up and sitting in a seat," Clement explains. "We've done lighting and props, even electrified props, where we learned how to solder."

Clement also says her Communication Studies coursework has further strengthened her ability to lead teams, anticipate challenges, and keep productions running smoothly.

Together, her two majors and stage management experience have helped her develop the communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills needed to succeed in a wide range of careers.

"A lot of stage management skills translate really well into a corporate lifestyle, since a lot of what I do is just managing different teams."

Known for her attention to detail, strong communication skills, and collaborative approach, Clement enjoys coordinating the many moving parts of a production while gaining valuable real-world experience. After graduation, she hopes to build a career in stage management and production, contributing to community-centered theatre projects that connect people through the performing arts.

You might also like...