CMU School of Drama


Friday, November 15, 2013

Veterans Pursue Careers in the Arts

NYTimes.com: His musical pitch, vocal range or favorite aria did not come up much when B. R. McDonald, a tenor, was kicking down doors and jumping out of planes in Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the Army’s Joint Special Operations Command.

5 comments:

Vanessa Frank said...

The support I see our country giving to veterans shows a glimmer of humanity in our bleak world. However, I can see how it would be particularly difficult for artists to reintegrate after being away. I think if we can make programs like these more widespread it will make the art that comes from them incredibly compelling. These veterans gain so many experiences at war that everyone in the country should be exposed to. If we can do this through theater and art, it will create a more aware and sympathetic American population.

Carolyn Mazuca said...

I think the change in attitude mentioned in the article towards the military is a crucial part in helping troops re-enter their normal lives as well as put a more accepting shift into society. There are programs like this popping up in all employee areas and overall it seems that they really help.

Becki Liu said...

I really liked this article and I'm really happy to see that people are finally giving our soldiers the appreciation and the help they deserve. I come from a military family (My grandfather [army], my father [Taiwanese military, but still...], my uncle and my cousin [marines]) My cousin had been relieved a few years ago after two tours in Iraq and had a lot of trouble finding a job. Thank goodness for the program 'From Helmets to Hardhats' because now he is back on his feet and working to get a good job. This is when I realized what a problem it really was for veterans to find jobs. When I have a job, I plan to save a lot of money so that eventually I could by a house that would act as a place for veterans who have no where to go stay. It kills me inside when I see veterans sitting and begging on the street. They put their life on the line for us and we don't even give them a penny for their services. I want to make a nice place that they can call home for a while until they can get back on their feet. I don't want to see veterans sitting in front of MSG trying to see if anyone will help. They should be able to come home, emphasis on the word HOME.

Sorry, I side tracked a lot. I think it's great to have these programs to allow soldiers back into the world of art. I think art is one of the best ways to communicate a persons emotions because it's easier than talking and it's healthier than just keeping it in

Sophie Hood said...

These are such great programs for Veterans -- I think all too often Vets are forgotten about. I never thought about how difficult it would be to get back into the arts business after being away from it for quite some time. It is usually about who you know and not having any current contacts, not knowing who to turn to for support, would be incredibly daunting. I think Veterans also have a lot to offer to the art world -- they have experiences and views on the world that are different from most folks which could really add to theater and the way we tell stories.

AnnaAzizzyRosati said...

I love this program. I strongly believe that the arts can play a huge role in mental stability and healing. My high school art teacher was once and art therapist, and she had the most incredible stories about the people whose lives she has seen turn around by putting art into them. There's something really remarkable and fulfilling about taking pieces of yourself to create something new. I hope this program, and others like it, stays around for a long time.