Fourth-year student John Patterson majored in sociology of law, criminology and deviance because he wants to attend law school to work on behalf of juvenile justice and people who face wrongful convictions. He also majored in theater arts because, he says, he wanted to do something fun on the side – and theater turned out to be it.
“I didn’t think you could have fun in theater. It was really weird, like I didn’t think it was something I deserved. I just thought that was so intriguing and that was a really gorgeous spark in my head that I was, like, we’re doing it. We’re making some changes and having some fun.”
Sitting quietly has never been Patterson’s style. He’s been in Carver Theater, a multi-year Gold Standard Choir member and co-president, an orientation program coordinator and a part of the 2020 Homecoming Court. He’s also been an advocate for change in the theater program, where he is often one of just a few Black students in a class.
“Tragically you get used to it, but it’s never enough because I always feel like I have to pick and choose my battles.” Being in that position has been challenging at times, he said. “Sometimes you’re in your head a lot, and when you’re the only one there, and no one else can really understand what’s in your head all the time. It’s kind of hard to be able to express that. If you do express it, then people end up looking at you to constantly express it.” So Patterson – who is also minoring in African American studies and will graduate this spring – created town halls for the theater department to address change.
“We’ve been talking about how to better our department with regards to student-faculty relationships, casting and just elevating BIPOC voices and getting more representation on the stage, and choosing directors and shows that aim to uplift those voices.”
Interview by Katie Wermus