The TCU College of Fine Arts is preparing to graduate an outstanding spring 2023 class. Graduates including Lindsay Franzen from the Department of Design, Aubrey Bosse from the School of Music and Jacob Horton from the Department of Theatre, share their postgraduate plans to “Lead On, Creatively.”
Lindsay Franzen
Design
Lindsay Franzen
Why did you choose to attend TCU?
As a Californian, I’ve always been terrified of tornadoes and didn’t want to go to school anywhere near Tornado Alley. But on our way to a cruise out of Galveston, my family and I toured TCU’s campus.
When I visited campus, it was freezing cold and pouring rain, yet all the students and staff were warm and welcoming. When it came time to decide, TCU stood out as a school that genuinely wanted me to be there.
Tell us about your internships and involvement during your time at TCU.
I was a member of the John V. Roach Honors College and completed my Lower Division Honors. In the spring semester of my junior year, I participated in TCU’s study abroad program and traveled to Florence, Italy. This experience was an amazing opportunity to learn about other cultures and see many iconic architectural works we studied in class.
I also had the opportunity to intern with Gensler, one of the largest global design firms, at their Los Angeles office, where I collaborated with and learned from exceptional designers and leaders.
What’s next for you?
This fall, I will join the Disney College Program, an internship open to college students and recent graduates at Walt Disney World. Participants work across theme parks and resorts in areas such as attraction operations and merchandise sales.
As someone interested in themed entertainment design, participating in this program will help me gain a deeper understanding of how design impacts the operation of theme parks. Afterward, I hope to return home to southern California and continue to explore different practice areas in commercial interior design, such as hospitality, themed entertainment and retail.
What advice would you give to other students pursuing a career in the fine arts?
I recently discovered a quote by Mark Twain, which offers sound advice: “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did.”
It’s better to take the gamble than to live your entire life wondering and letting an opportunity pass by because of fear. You will have moments of uncertainty but take that leap of faith rather than live with regrets about the what-ifs.
Aubrey Bosse
Music
Why did you choose to attend TCU?
I fell in love with the community at TCU. The faculty are invested in their students, and my classmates support each other in everything we do. There is just so much support and love here.
Aubrey Bosse
Who most impacted your TCU experience and why?
I have studied voice under Dr. Corey Trahan for all four years at TCU and can’t imagine my experience without him. He has become a mentor and helped me develop my voice and performing abilities. He also taught me so much about life and pursuing a career in the arts. I am beyond grateful for his guidance.
What’s next for you?
I’ll be starting my Master of Music in Voice Performance at Boston Conservatory this fall!
What advice would you give to other students pursuing a career in the fine arts?
Don’t let anyone tell you that a career in the arts is unrealistic or foolish. The world needs artists. With enough grit and perseverance, you can do anything.
Jacob Horton
Theatre
Why did you choose to attend TCU?
TCU was the only school that accepted me into their theatre program. In high school, I wanted to be a performer, but the professors here saw me involved in more technical theatre – a decision that I now wholeheartedly embrace.
Jacob Horton
Who most impacted your TCU experience and why?
Professor Michael Skinner. As the professor overseeing student stage managers, he has been a mentor throughout my four years. Just about every semester started with me asking something along the lines of, “Hey, can I do (insert job) for (insert show) this semester?”
Skinner always accommodates and supports students in the department. In fact, I’m assistant music director this semester, a position that’s rarely requested. I could not have asked for a better mentor!
What’s next for you?
I’ll be returning home to Austin and working for a few different local theatre companies. No solid long-term plans yet, but plenty of ideas that will hopefully bear fruit!
What advice would you give to other students pursuing a career in graphic design?
Go for it. If there’s something you want to do, ask; if there’s a class you want to take, talk to the professor. Try new things and don’t be afraid to fail. College is a safe place to try and fail. Most of all, be yourself!
Congratulations to all our Fine Arts graduates! Thank you for putting your passion into practice and continue to Lead On!