APAP Conference: An Exploration of Life After Graduation | Texas Performing Arts

Friday, February 8, 2019

At Texas Performing Arts, we take our role as educators and mentors very seriously. Through the day-to-day activities of our student employment program, we are able to professionally involve students in every aspect of our organization—but we know that the professional arts world is much larger and wider. To help our students break into that wider world, we have an ongoing program to take a select group of students to New York each year to attend the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) conference and connect with our growing network of TPA alumni. At our core, as managers of student employees, we’re educators, and having the opportunity to show, connect, and inspire our students to be the next generation of arts leaders is one of the most important things we can do. –Tim Rogers, Student Engagement Coordinator

APAP Conference: An Exploration of Life After Graduation

By Wendy Fernandez, TPA Student Employee

I had the amazing opportunity to return to the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) Conference in New York City this year, and as a soon-to-be college graduate, I jumped at the chance. Last year, my goal was to develop a holistic understanding of the performing arts but this year, I attended with a focus on professional development and post-graduation employment opportunities. Texas Performing Arts fostered my love for the performing arts four years ago when I was hired, and the APAP Conference is helping me develop my passion as a career.

My favorite part of the trip were the visits to alumni who work in the field. Of the two, I found the New York City Center the most striking location. The mix of historical architecture and a deep connection to not only the arts, but to the community, highlighted the importance of the performing arts as a cultural landmark. At Roundabout Theatre, I saw how essential theatre is to a well-rounded education as well as noticed similarities to my work at the Long Center. Moreover, it was nice to catch up with friends, whether it was over coffee or the group dinner.

The conference itself offered many interesting sessions and showcases. I learned that people are more inclined to experience the arts if they can bring someone with them, which is an effective way of doubling audience and exposure. This is specifically applicable to students who have difficulties with accessibility and a lesson I can take home with me. TPA’s Bass Pass program seemed to hit on the head of every lesson in this Student Engagement seminar.

Besides seeing my childhood hero Yakko Warner perform Animaniac songs, I had two favorite showcases. I had the privilege of watching the New York Ballet perform three pieces, the last of which catered to young children as a way to engage them with the performance; the rhythmic snapping and patting in their rendition of Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky had me mesmerized. The other showcase featured Winston Churchill telling stories about his life and reading letters. I never saw the performer out of character and I wholly believe I met the Prime Minister himself that day. On our way to the New York City Center, I saw him outside smoking his cigar--Churchill’s commitment to his craft blew me away.

Outside the conference, I visited the Museum of Modern Art where Starry Night is housed. Seeing paintings in person bring a new (and literal) light to the piece as the stars twinkled in a way I’ve never experienced before. Besides the impressionist art, the most exciting experience I had in the MoMA was seeing a Tony Smith sculpture similar to the one we have on campus. I took advantage of rush tickets and watched two Broadway shows. Avenue Q Off-Broadway struck a chord, I saw myself in Princeton, the lead puppet. His first line begged the question, “What do you do with a B.A. in English?” And, as I face graduation with an English degree, nothing could be more relatable.

Unlike Princeton, I had a positive experience at the APAP Conference to lead the way into a career, and Texas Performing Arts to act as the wind in my sails. I am so incredibly grateful I had the opportunity to attend the conference not only once, but twice, and I look forward to wherever my path may go after graduation.