M.F.A. in Writing for the Screen and Stage Alumna is a Senior Artistic Producer at Guthrie Theater Alumni Profile
Meet Tracy Brigden
- Job Title & Employer
- Senior Artistic Producer, Guthrie Theater
- Major/Program
- Writing for the Stage and Screen-M.F.A.
- Hometown
- New York, N.Y.
- High School
- Fox Lane High School
- Now Living In
- St. Paul, Minn.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Traveling, gardening, entertaining, cooking
"I've had several of my plays performed in theatres around the country, I've had a podcast I wrote and produced reach number one on the Apple Podcasts charts and I have a film script in development with a major production company. I would have never thought I could do all that without the learning and encouragement from Point Park University's M.F.A. program."
Why was Point Park University’s low-residency M.F.A. program the right choice for you?
During the time I was enrolled in the program, I was also a freelance theatre director, which required me to travel all over the country — I worked on my M.F.A. from Pittsburgh, New York, Connecticut, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Maryland to name a few. The low-residency M.F.A. program gave me the flexibility I needed for my life and career at the time.
What were some of the most impactful experiences as a student in the M.F.A. program?
The first time I wrote "lights fade to black" at the end of a play was pretty amazing! I have spent most of my career as a director and producer helping others bring their stories to life, so it was a thrilling twist to give myself the space and permission to unleash and nurture my own voice.
Tell us about your key responsibilities as the Senior Artistic Producer at Guthrie Theater.
Guthrie Theater is a very large organization that produces at minimum 10 productions a year, plus myriad events and programs. I am instrumental in programming those productions and programs, as well as guiding them from ideation to conclusion and visioning the future possibilities at the organization.
What excites you most in this new role?
I am excited by all that's possible at the Guthrie, as well as by the Twin Cities' very vibrant and robust theatre community that I am eager to get to know.
What advice do you have for a student considering the M.F.A. program?
It might seem daunting, but with a bit of focus and discipline you can do it (even when working full time)! I use the skills I gained in the program every day — in my producing, directing and writing.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
In addition to my continued work as a director and producer, I have had several of my plays performed in theatres around the country, I've had a podcast I wrote and produced reach number one on the Apple Podcasts charts and I have a film script in development with a major production company. I would have never thought I could do all that without the learning and encouragement from Point Park University's M.F.A. program.