2023 Graduate Stories: Emma Littau
Emma Littau
Majors: Theatre (with an emphasis in Stage Management) and Organizational Leadership and Communication
Production Assistant, Indiana Repertory Theatre
Why did you declare Theatre and Organizational Leadership and Communication as your majors?
I was drawn to Butler’s Theatre program because it allowed me to specialize in stage management while also developing a well-rounded understanding of other theatrical disciplines. Unlike other theatre programs, Butler Theatre allows first-year students to have hands-on experience from the moment they arrive on campus. The flexibility of Butler’s Theatre program appealed to me because I knew I wanted to pursue majors in other academic colleges and spend time studying abroad, things that are not often possible at other programs.
What is your current position and how did Butler help prepare you for this role?
I currently work as a Production Assistant in the Stage Management Department at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Butler prepared me for this role through coursework in stage management and other theatre classes. These classes helped me hone skills specific to stage management and deepen my understanding of other theatrical disciplines so I can understand and communicate about the work my colleagues are doing. The opportunities to stage manage Butler Theatre Department productions gave me the hands-on experience I needed to put my training into practice in real situations.
I also had an on-campus job working on the production crew for the Butler Arts and Events Center, which allowed me to experience a wide variety of productions and develop skills in several areas of production, such as sound and lighting. In addition to working at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, I have also worked on stage management teams at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center, Indianapolis Shakespeare Company, National New Play Network, Summer Stock Stage, Eclipse, Dance Kaleidoscope, Actors Theatre of Indiana, and the IndyFringe Theatre. This year I was the Lead Talent PA for the NBA’s All-Star Week 2024. The foundation I built at Butler prepared me to succeed in all of these experiences.
Who at Butler inspired you the most and why?
Diane Timmerman, my academic advisor and the Theatre Department Chair, is one member of the Butler family who inspired me. From our very first meeting before classes had begun, Diane always supported me in pursuing my goals. I had ambitious goals to complete degrees in multiple colleges and spend a semester studying abroad, and while this is uncommon for theatre majors because of the extensive time commitment theatre productions require, Diane never doubted that I could do it.
What are your long-term career goals?
One of my career goals is to work on a Broadway National Tour production. During my semester abroad in London, I was able to travel to many countries, and these experiences taught me how much I value seeing new places, experiencing different cultures, and interacting with a variety of people. Working on touring productions will allow me to have a profession I am passionate about while fulfilling my desire for new experiences in a variety of places with all types of people. I also want to eventually move from stage management to production management.
What advice do you have for current Butler students?
Butler offers amazing academic opportunities, and I recommend taking advantage of as many of them as you can. I would also encourage current students to seek out internships and start making connections in professional fields. By the time I graduated, I had completed several internships and had already started working professionally. The connections I made during those experiences set me up for success after graduation. Above everything, it is so important to spend time connecting with others and fostering friendships with people you love. Hands down the best thing I took away from my time at Butler is friends who I know will be in my life forever.