MORE ABOUT MIKE
Graduation Date:
June 2011
Hometown:
Darien, Illinois
High School:
Hinsdale South High School
Current Employment:
- Merle Reskin Theatre Student Sound Technician
- TVK Orchestra Audio Engineer
Awards & Achievements:
- Theatre School Talent Scholarship
- Theatre School Merit Scholarship
- Dean’s List
Mike Ross
Area of Study:
Theatrical Sound Design and Technology
I chose my major because… I’ve been interested in sound technology since I was in elementary school, when I would setup and take down the PA system in the gym for Cub Scout assemblies. The profession of professional audio can take you to so many places, from live theater to film to music venues, and the constant changing nature of the work is fascinating for me. Majoring in sound design/tech at DePaul is giving me access to the kinds of opportunities that can lead to careers in these fields.
My favorite thing to do on campus is… just take a moment to stop and relax in some way and unwind from everything else going on.
I decided to attend DePaul because… primarily, the reputation of The Theatre School and how focused the program is. As a conservatory, students are able to delve right into classes related to their major, and there are hardly any classes that do not relate or work with our theater training in some way.
The learning environment here at DePaul is… very personal and focused. The majority of my classes had only about five to ten people in them, and that allows for much greater interaction between student and professor. Also, everyone who is here is here because they want to be and they are willing to work very hard because this is something they truly want to do and are passionate for.
When I have free time, I like to… Free time? What’s that? I haven’t had much free time since day one of freshman year. Oh, and I love it.
Here, the diversity of students, faculty and staff… helps to add to the overall atmosphere of the school. You will always be able to find someone with a different background, culture and set of ideas – each with something new and unique to bring to the mix.
The greatest thing about going to school in Chicago is… the amazing collections of things to see, do and experience in the city. There are countless things to do around the city in every variety.
DePaul's Theatre School Conservatory appealed to me because… the greatest characteristic about The Theatre School is the intensity and the pace that the school moves at. Starting from day one of the first year, students are involved in productions at the school, and that continues throughout all four years. At hardly any other schools do you get that kind of total immersion and focus in the craft that you’re here to learn. It really gives you an idea of what the professional world is like, and makes sure you’re prepared for it when you graduate.
From my perspective, The Theatre School is unique because… as one of a few sound design/tech majors in The Theatre School – the 2008-2009 school year is the first official year with Sound Design as a major – I have a particularly unique experience of being part of a new department being built, guinea pigging it in fact. Also, with a smaller-than-average count of students in the major, I have more opportunities to work on more productions at The Theatre School then would otherwise happen. Currently, this year, I have been involved in almost every production that the school has produced, and having that amount of work available is an amazing experience.
After graduation, I plan to… Ideally, work as an audio engineer or technician in a live performance venue or theatrical situation.
The one thing I’d like to say to students considering DePaul… for Theatre School students especially: don’t be closed to learning new ideas and trying new things you might not have thought of before. That’s what you’re here for. Also, if you’re from outside of Chicago, be prepared for the most random weather conditions ever.
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