Mia Dorsett ’24 Makes Performance Debut at the Black Hills Playhouse  

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Mia Dorsett in Theatre TCU’s fall 2022 production of “Sweet Charity.”

Mia Dorsett in Theatre TCU’s fall 2022 production of “Sweet Charity.”

Mia Dorsett, a junior musical theatre major, made her performance debut at the Black Hills Playhouse in Custer State Park in South Dakota. This summer, she will serve as an actor-intern and perform in “Silent Sky” as Henrietta, “The Drowsy Chaperone” as Trix, and “9 to 5” as Maria while also assisting in different technical areas like costume, lighting, sound and in the box office.

“It is challenging to decide to move where the work is, especially if that place is unfamiliar to you, but I know I will learn so much at the Black Hills Playhouse,” said Dorsett.

Earlier this year, Dorsett participated in the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) and received a callback to join the cast and develop her expertise and experience in a professional theatre.

“I am so excited to take this time in the mountains to learn more about myself as an actor and improve my technical skills,” said Dorsett.

Q&A with Dorsett

Image of Mia Dorsett, a junior musical theatre major.

Mia Dorsett, a junior musical theatre major.

What made you want to pursue your area of study?
I wanted to pursue musical theatre because nothing else fulfills me like performing does. The energy and excitement you get when putting on a show are truly unmatched. There is so much camaraderie and fellowship in theatre, and everyone is so supportive and loving towards one another. The stage is my home, and I love spreading love and light to audiences through my talents!

How have your studies and time at TCU prepared you for this role?
This is my first professional job since being at TCU, and it is apparent how much my two years of training in the Department of Theatre have prepared me for my career. Even though I am in a new place with all new people, which can feel overwhelming and a little uncomfortable, the work before me feels like second nature because of the excellent training I’ve received at TCU.

I knew that in this experience, there would be things I couldn’t control, so I focused on the things that I could! I came prepared with all of my lines and music already memorized so I could use the time here to focus on other things, like character development and blocking. Wherever my future career endeavors take me, the tools and advice I have gained from my professors are invaluable!