Humans of the Alliance: Austin Geter
Austin Geter, 2017 Palefsky Collision Project Member & Education Intern
How did you get involved with theatre?
"I've always wanted to be involved growing up. I remember seeing Beauty and the Beast at the Fox Theatre when I was five and said, 'yep, that's what I want to do.' I went to a K-12 school and the high school class director needed someone to play Max the Dog in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I got the part [at ten] because I was the only one who fit the costume. After they did that, they did Seussical and so I got to be Max the Dog again. I caught the bug and kept doing shows both in and out of school. Fun fact, senior year we did Seussical again and I got to be Horton, so it was like full circle. From Max to Horton."
What show has changed your life?
"Last summer, it was my first trip to New York. It's kind of a dumb way to say it, but I lost my Broadway virginity with The Color Purple with Cynthia Errivo and it changed everything I ever wanted to do. Just with John Doyle's minimalistic staging and the amazing acting and singing. Also, Serenbe Playhouse's production of Miss Saigon last summer. They brought in a live helicopter for the show. Everything about that production was immersive and amazing. I think their work is amazing. It shifted my goal for the kind of theatre I want to make."
What is your biggest struggle?
"Choosing myself sometimes. I'm very focused on others, on their problems, on their issues. And even very focused on sacrificing parts of myself if it will please others. So I'd say that's the biggest issue. Just realizing sometimes I have to say no. Recognizing that ultimately it's my life and I've gotta follow the path that's right for me."
How did you end up at the Alliance?
"The Woodruff did a 'teen voices' exhibit and I had a photography piece in there. That's how I first got in contact with Sarah [Alliance Teen and Adults Program Manager]. Then I was in a part of the 2016/17 teen ensemble and fell in love."
What does the Collision Project mean to you?
"What's so fascinating to me about the Collision Project is the fact that it's planting the roots in young people to inspire them to use their art for social justice and change. To the Alliance, it's not just another show to put on... it's about launching this group of teenagers year after year to be world changers through their talents and passions. From both being apart of it, and looking at it from a staff-type perspective, it's mind-boggling to me. I truly believe that this is the direction all arts education institutions should take, and I'm so appreciative to work in a place that has this sort of vision."
A fun fact about yourself?
"I don't go anywhere without my blue Camelbak water bottle. I literally go everywhere with it. I left it at a party the other day, but my friend texted me and told me he had it because everyone there already knew it was mine."
What is your hope for the future?
"I think my dream for my future is that I will be able to use my voice in the arts, in whatever capacity that may be, to further teach people, to grow people. To inspire them to continue to love and be kind and do good. In the world, my hope would be that world continues to let the good prevail."
Describe the best theatre-related project in which you've been involved.
"My sophomore year of high school, I was a part of Antigone Now, a play adaptation set in a post-apocalyptic world. It was an ensemble piece. My school won a big theatre award against like twenty other schools. I just learned so much about humanity, working in an ensemble and about myself as an actor and the voice I can have in a show."
What makes you feel fulfilled?
"Art. Because I think it has so much power to impact people and change people. And transform the world. There's a reason it's been since the beginning of man to now that art is still prevalent in our lives. Anything I do with the arts makes me feel fulfilled and happy."
What piece of advice would you give to a group of people?
"Don't act in fear. Act in love and humility. Trust your gut. In the same vein, don't compromise yourself. Always be willing to stand up for what you know is right and what is good for you."
What is your biggest accomplishment?
"I've had such an interesting time post-high school reflecting on what was really my impact on the school and the people around me. This freshman that I mentored my senior year just texted me and said 'Hey, just so you know, I think you are the only reason I made it through my freshman year. You helped me so much.' The idea that I did impact her and hopefully I've impacted other people just gives me a real sense of accomplishment."
by A'riel Tinter, Brand Journalist
