Meet: Rodney Whatley

Department: Music & Theatre

How I got into this profession: My first play was in the 7th Grade, I was the “Ghost of Christmas Future,” and the screams and cries of horror stricken children in the audience hooked me with the sheer power of live theatre.  I auditioned for scholarships first at Jefferson Davis over in Brewton, then at the University of Montevallo, and was successful both times.  University of Montevallo changed my life and made me the artist I am today, but it was when I taught my first class at FSU as a graduate teaching assistant that I decided I wanted to be in the college classroom for life.  Working as a professional actor has its ups and downs, and the constant search for the next gig is exhausting.  Even when working, you feel as though you are unemployed because each gig is a limited run engagement.  That’s not easy, but I really enjoyed it.  While at my master’s program at Lindenwood University, I handled various duties but the most rewarding was taking new/transfer students and directing them in a studio production to integrate them into our department’s practices and policies. While it was not officially a class, it was my first real teaching experience, and led me to apply to FSU’s Ph.D. program. I love theatre and I love education, so I’m here to stay. I used to say that when I die I’d like to come back as a squirrel on a college campus, but now I just want to come back as another educator.

Favorite Class: Directing I. Watching actors transform themselves into directors and apply the philosophies and practices to their real lives is a most rewarding experience.

How long at PSC: I started as an adjunct in 2002, and became Director of Theatre in 2005.  I’ve been promoted to Asst. Professor and granted tenure, so once again, here to stay!

Favorite book/movie: Favorite book is “The Color of Light” by William Goldman, and favorite movie is “Forrest Gump.”

Favorite place on campus: Ashmore Auditorium

Why joined the union: Because Stan Dean told me to.  Administrators are fine and dandy, heck, I’m half administrator (Program Coordinator) and half teacher, so I love administration. However, teachers and their relationships with students, what happens in the classroom is what college is really about. We deserve whatever we get the leaders to give us.