My name is Tommy McFarland and I have experience as an Actor, Director, Scenic Carpenter, Electrician, and as a Lighting Designer. My focus is on the artistic side of theatre, and acting is my passion, however, I love to be involved in any part of the process that I can.
I am a recent graduate of Centre College in Danville, Kentucky where I am a double major in Dramatic Arts and Economics & Finance. I have acted in several shows, and worked in many capacities in our drama department. I also helped start the college's first Improv troupe and love working with comedy.
I am a recent graduate of Centre College in Danville, Kentucky where I am a double major in Dramatic Arts and Economics & Finance. I have acted in several shows, and worked in many capacities in our drama department. I also helped start the college's first Improv troupe and love working with comedy.
What is theatre?
Theatre is one of the oldest forms of performance art. Some will go as far as to say that it is old and antiquated. If I can binge watch my favorite TV shows for hours on end without leaving my bedroom, then why would I pay for food, gas, and tickets to see a live performance if I am not sure it will meet my expectations?
Because we need it.
We need theatre in our lives. We at least need the essence of theatre: storytelling. Whether we realize it or not, we use the techniques of storytelling in our lives every day, possibly every waking moment of our lives. The most obvious place people use storytelling is through verbal communication. Generally speaking, people who speak in a clear, interesting way with fluctuations in their voice are more interesting to listen to than someone who speaks in a dull monotone.
I think of that feeling we all get when someone describes an event or provides instruction, or coaches a team, and the listeners all lean in to hear the storyteller better. This natural, human reaction is pleasing to us, and we crave that feeling all the time. These are the human talents and reactions that allow us to make friends with each other and communicate how we feel. Without that feeling, we would not find interesting things about others. Life without storytelling is unimaginable when put this way. I certainly do not want to live without it.
Because we need it.
We need theatre in our lives. We at least need the essence of theatre: storytelling. Whether we realize it or not, we use the techniques of storytelling in our lives every day, possibly every waking moment of our lives. The most obvious place people use storytelling is through verbal communication. Generally speaking, people who speak in a clear, interesting way with fluctuations in their voice are more interesting to listen to than someone who speaks in a dull monotone.
I think of that feeling we all get when someone describes an event or provides instruction, or coaches a team, and the listeners all lean in to hear the storyteller better. This natural, human reaction is pleasing to us, and we crave that feeling all the time. These are the human talents and reactions that allow us to make friends with each other and communicate how we feel. Without that feeling, we would not find interesting things about others. Life without storytelling is unimaginable when put this way. I certainly do not want to live without it.
