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Kayla Norton

Major: BFA Theatre, Stage Management

Hometown: Townsend, MA

Why did you choose to attend Salem State?

I attended an Accepted Students Day and was able to speak with the chair of the theatre department at the time and see a great and informative presentation from them. That was how my parents and I knew this was the right program for me.

What surprised you the most when you got here? 

How open and nice all of the professors are. I immediately felt welcomed into my department, joining the people who would become my second family over the next four years. Professors are always willing to talk to you if you need help or even just to chat.

What are you involved in on campus?    

I've worked with our Student Theatre Ensemble several, and I also work for Residence Life as a Desk Receptionist.

Best Salem State Experience so far?

Probably being able to represent Salem State at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, in region one with some of my best friends. Competing in stage management was such a rewarding and informative experience.

Where is your favorite place to hang out on campus? Downtown?  

My favorite place on campus is the lobby of the Sophia Gordon. There are new comfy chairs and little tables. It's a central place where my friend s and other people from my major like to hang out in between classes and before rehearsals. 

Downtown, my favorite place to visit is the Peabody Essex Museum, getting in for free is such a treat. Visiting art museums is one of my favorite things to do, and having a great one so close to home is a dream.

Tell us about a time you had the opportunity to learn about your academic program beyond a textbook or outside of the classroom.

Opportunities to learn in the theatre department are endless, and I learn something new about the career I've chosen every time I'm able to work on shows here at school. Last year I was able to stage manage our production of Macbeth, and it taught me so much about myself and my strengths and weaknesses as a professional.

What's one piece of advice or guidance you would give to someone considering attending Salem State?

Look at what we have to offer you, does your academic department feel like the right fit for you? Are the clubs and activities on campus ones you would like to get involved in?

Name one item you can't live without during the school year.    

My planner, I keep everything from all my events and meetings to my due dates, to all of my to-do lists in it.

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