For many, the stage is all about drama, drama, drama, but for students like Linsey Retcofsky, there’s no drama when it comes to theater. Bad drama, that is.

As a senior theater major from Watauga, Texas, Retcofsky has had her fair share of the spotlight. However, it has not always come in the form of a circle of light on a dark stage.

In the spring of 2008, Retcofsky applied and was accepted to attend the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) and work alongside other aspiring playwrights. The competitive conference required all participants to write a 10-minute play within 24 hours.

“I didn’t know what I was doing,” Retcofsky said. “I had never done anything like that before.”

Despite her inexperience, Retcofsky was met with success, receiving praise and little critique from Gary Garrison, executive director for Creative Affairs of the Dramatist Guild of America.

Garrison, who also serves as the dean of dramatic writing at NYU, has written an extensive amount of different works, particularly in the area of playwriting. He also works as a screen writer and a teacher, making him an excellent contact for students like Retcofsky who hope to pursue a career in theater and the arts.

“The thing I was looking to get out of [SETC] was to meet and kind of get to know and talk to Gary Garrison,” Retcofsky said. “It was really more about that than the play.”

The motivation to further herself in theater began early in high school and has become a driving passion for her future.

When speaking of how she first became involved in theater, Retcofsky described it as an unlikely situation.

As a high school freshman, Retcofsky struggled with issues of self esteem and friendship and felt that a theater class that her older brother Ryan had taken and enjoyed might be an activity that she too would enjoy.

“It was totally the wrong thing for me,” Retcofsky laughed. “Because I couldn’t handle being in front of people.”

Though self-described as shy, Retcofsky soon discovered the joy found in entertaining others. One day in class, after making an impromptu joke and sending the class into a fit of laughter, Linsey felt that she “found [her] purpose.”

The moment sealed the deal, and for the remainder of her high school career, Retcofsky found ways to get involved in theater. Some of her involvement included trying out for the school’s competitive plays.

“I got cast. She had never cast a freshman before, so I really felt like God was opening doors for me,” she said.

Retcofsky soon found out that while God opens some doors, he closes others.

“I didn’t really want to come to Lee at all,” she said.

Towards the end of high school, Retcofsky was searching for acceptance to schools in Chicago, but found that nothing was working out.

“I was really praying and asking God where he wanted me to go and I really felt like he was leading me to Lee,” Retcofsky said. “I fought it for a while, but then I came here.”

In spite of her reluctance to come to Lee, Retcofsky has found, upon reflecting, that her decision was one that has made all the difference for her.

By coming to Lee, she was able to come into contact with people like Stacey Isom, assistant professor of creative writing, and Dr. Christine Williams, assistant professor of theater, who have become mentors for Retcofsky.

“Stacey found out that I wanted to write plays,” she said. “She kind of took me under her wing and started mentoring me.”

The arrival of Williams to Lee’s theater department led Retcofsky to challenge herself.

“She works really hard and sets a good example for setting goals and being active and going out and seeking opportunities.”

Retcofsky is currently seeking opportunities of her own. As a senior, she is facing upcoming graduation and life afterwards, which she hopes will include graduate school.

As the end of her college career comes to a close, she offered up wise words for students.

“Push yourself to gain perspective on what your field is and what it’s about and what it can be. You can’t wait for things to fall in your lap; you have to go out and seek them.”