Imagine having to juggle a busy class schedule, a time consuming job, AND being a part of a sorority. Carrie Zollinger does just that! Carrie is a sophomore at CofC, a member of Delta Gamma, and works on the awesome sets you see in the theatre productions on campus.
Major/Minor: Double major in Dance and Theatre with a Concentration in Scenic Lighting, Design, and Technology
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Why did you decide to come to CofC?
I knew that I wanted to go to school in the south, but wasn’t sure where. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that CofC was where I belonged. Between the small class sizes, the city atmosphere, and the beauty of Charleston, I can’t imagine myself anywhere else!
How did you first get involved with the theatre department?
I actually declared my majors while I was at orientation so from day 1 I was involved in the theatre department. I got a job working in the scene shop pretty soon after coming to the college, so that helped me get involved with the department as well.
What’s the best thing about working with the theatre department?
I think it’s how close everyone in the department is. We really are a family. We have these couches on the second floor of the Simmons Center and they’re where everyone goes and hangs out between classes. I’m sure that other departments have something like this, but no matter what time it is, there are always people sitting (and napping) up there, and it’s just somewhere to go and get away from the stress of classes for a bit. The other thing that I love is how many opportunities we are presented with. As a sophomore, I’ve already worked on 10 shows here, and I think that says a lot about the department and how they really want us to succeed.
With such a busy schedule, what keeps you focused?
Knowing that school comes first really keeps me focused. Grades have always been important to me, so I just tell myself that I have to prioritize what I’m doing and know that there might not be enough time in a day to do everything that I want to do. It can be really difficult juggling 2 majors, working on multiple productions at a time, being a part of a sorority, and having a job, but at the end of the day, I’m here for school, and although I want to do everything, I’ve learned that at some points I have to say no and make sure I have enough time to focus on classes and still give myself a few hours a night to sleep!
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
I’m still trying to figure out what I’m doing this summer! But if I had to say, I’d either want to be working on a national tour or doing scenic carpentry somewhere.