When choosing a school to pursue her MFA, Abigail Baird noticed two important things about UConn: she could not only build her credentials as an educator, she could also develop her unique artistic vision. And develop it she did, creating a stunning blend of aerial acrobatics and animation along the way. As that description implies, Abigail has seized opportunities to combine disparate fields and disciplines in her work, ranging from puppetry to drama to digital media, all of it available under the single roof of the School of Fine Arts. As she readies for her next act as an artist, she’s able to look back with satisfaction on her time at UConn – and let it propel her to new heights.

 

Why did you choose UConn?

I chose UConn for my MFA in Puppet Arts due to its strategic alignment with my career objectives. I aimed to enhance my credentials as an arts educator, particularly to expand my teaching opportunities into higher education. Additionally, I sought to further develop my original performance concept, Aerial Animation, a modern twist on silent film storytelling in which I become puppet-like, performing aerial acrobatics in front of projected animation. The School of Fine Arts at UConn offered the perfect environment for achieving these goals. Their comprehensive programing includes courses in Puppet Arts, Digital Media and Design, and Stop-motion Animation, providing the ideal blend of resources to support my aspirations.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?

My major field of study is in the one and only department of Puppet Arts offered exclusively at UConn, where I am pursuing an MFA degree. After nearly two decades working in the professional field of circus arts as a performer, director, and arts educator, I saw this program as an opportunity to expand my skillset into the innovative world of puppetry.

In the professional realm of theater and film, puppetry stands as a beacon of innovation, with many trailblazing creatives emerging from UConn’s Puppet Arts Program. Joining this esteemed lineage felt like becoming part of a collective consciousness, a chosen family where I could find my footing and thrive.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

As my journey at UConn concludes, I find it impossible to single out a favorite professor or class as my educational growth and artistic development has been influenced in many ways.

Courses such as Alison Paul’s “Stop and Go: Explorations in Stop-Motion Animation” and the independent study co-creating a Toy Theater Puppet show with Digital animations for the Maurice Sendak exhibit at the Ballard Museum guided by Professor John Bell, have been particularly transformative, shaping my artistic voice.

Professors Sandi Carol and Anna Lindemann played instrumental roles in supporting my vision for a collaborative project between DMD and Drama students. Under their guidance, I navigated the transitional space of graduate studies, exploring diverse tools and techniques to merge principles across mediums.

Auditing Susan Tolis’s DRAM course in “Applied Costume Craft” provided invaluable insights into fostering a supportive learning environment where risk-taking and failure are embraced as integral parts of the learning process.

Of course, I hold a deep appreciation for my experiences with my advisor, Bart. P. Roccoberton Jr., Director of the Puppet Arts Program. His continued belief in my educational vision, support in expanding my skills within the puppetry program, and consistent presence at rehearsals and shows have been invaluable.

What activities were you involved in as a student?

During my time at UConn, I engaged in a wide array of theatrical performances, spanning from productions with the Connecticut Repertory Theater to collaborative ventures with peers from various departments such as Puppet Arts, Music, Digital Media & Design, and Visual Arts. These experiences ranged from participating in student-led shows to creating my own MFA Performance, which combined aerial acrobatics with puppets and animations, harmonized through live-cue software and projection mapping. Theater, by its nature, is a collaborative art form, and my involvement in these diverse performances allowed me to forge meaningful connections and relationships that will continue to shape my future endeavors.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

One thing that pleasantly surprised me about UConn was the opportunity to participate in several special topic courses taught by professors who were actively engaged in practical research within their areas of interest. These unique courses provided a chance to learn alongside esteemed professors and delve into artist mediums that were specific to their passions. For instance, I was particularly intrigued by Professor John Bell’s course on Special Topics in Puppet Arts, focusing on Bread & Puppet Theater and Puppetry, Performance, and Political Art. This course not only expanded my understanding of puppetry but also provided insights into the intersection of performance and political activism, which was both illuminating and inspiring.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

After graduation, my intention is to explore avenues that enable me to further develop interactive media performances involving puppets, animation, and non-verbal storytelling. This includes actively seeking grants, fellowships, and performance opportunities such as puppetry and circus festivals. While the prospect of post-graduation plans is both terrifying and thrilling, I am committed to investing in opportunities that allow me to continue honing my artistry.

As the integration of moving images becomes increasingly prevalent in theatrical settings, I aim to develop a curriculum focused on teaching cause-and-effect performance techniques, enabling actors to effectively interact with digital media.

Ideally, I hope to find myself in an academic environment akin to UConn, where I can become a professor, teaching while actively participating in practical research within my areas of expertise. This would allow me to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of interactive media performance.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

At UConn, I’ve been able to hone my skills in toy theater and shadow puppetry while also exploring adjacent disciplines such as two-dimensional and stop-motion animation in the Digital Media and Visual Arts departments. Through independent studies, I’ve developed innovative methods for merging animation and puppetry using live-cue software and projection mapping onto multidimensional surfaces. Overall, UConn’s diverse offerings and supportive environment have propelled me towards refining my artistry and achieving my professional ambitions in the realm of Performing Arts.

Any advice for incoming students?

Be the agent of your education. Take the classes with the most interesting professors even if you’re not sure about the subject matter.

The truth is that no one has the answers, not even the brilliant, ancient, or young so be kind, make mistakes and stand up for yourself and others.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?

One thing everyone should do during their time at UConn is to seize the moment and make the most of the resources available, including equipment, space and the knowledge of fellow students and teachers. Additionally, take the opportunity to explore the campus, visit places like the greenhouses and animal facilities, and attend events such as shows or art gallery openings that are outside your area of study.

What will always make you think of UConn?

The sight of leaves changing color in the fall, the beauty of winter sunsets through a forest of tall trees, and the scent of fresh manure on a new spring day will forever remind me of my time at UConn.