From CCA to Montclair State
By Elliot Martin
Embedded Files
College marks a significant milestone for high school students, representing the transition from adolescence to the responsibilities of adulthood and independence. As a senior, I repeatedly face questions from family and friends about my college plans, which adds to the anticipation and anxiety surrounding my future choices. For many, the idea of college can be overwhelming, often shaping personal aspirations into professional realities. The path that my cousin Ansel Brasel took shows this journey. A proud graduate of CCA in 2022, he chose to pursue a major in technical theatre at Montclair State University.
Q: Why did you choose Montclair?
A: I chose Montclair because it has an awesome technical theatre reputation and is close to New York City! Being near the city means I can explore tons of opportunities for networking, internships, and hands-on experience with real theatre productions.
View of New York City from Montclair
Montclair State University, located in the town of Montclair, New Jersey, is about a twelve-hour drive from our hometown of Chattanooga. The university provides a wide variety of academic programs, particularly a thriving arts department that attracts passionate creatives. One of the remarkable features of Montclair is its proximity to the iconic New York City, a cultural hub that inspires future artists and performers. Ansel once excitedly shared, “You can see the city from my dorm room window,” highlighting the artistic opportunities that lie just beyond campus. This accessibility is priceless for a student studying Theatre Tech, providing countless networking possibilities and hands-on experience in one of the world’s most renowned theatre scenes.
Q: What is the Technical Theatre program like?
A: The Technical Theatre program at Montclair is all about getting students involved and learning hands-on. It includes training in cool areas like lighting, sound, set design, and stage management. The professors are professionals who actively work in the industry, so students get to participate in some fantastic productions. There’s also a big focus on teamwork, which helps everyone learn how to collaborate effectively, just like in a real work environment!
Downtown Chattanooga
Ansel has deep roots in Chattanooga, surrounded by a loving family and close-knit friends. I treasure the countless adventures we had growing up alongside our grandmothers, which created numerous memories and forged a strong bond between us. Our connection deepened further when I decided to attend CCA, the same middle and high school from which Ansel and his twin brother, Tae, proudly graduated. Since their graduation in 2022, they have embarked on their unique college journeys, each exploring new horizons and embracing independence while I navigate the final stages of high school.
Q: How would your life be different if you stayed in Tennessee, particularly in Chattanooga?
A: It would be different. The theatre scene in Tennessee, especially Chattanooga, doesn’t offer the same kinds of opportunities as New York City. If I had stayed there, I probably would have worked on smaller productions and had fewer professional connections. Being in New Jersey and so close to NYC has really opened up so many doors for me!
Q: Would you choose another school if you could go back?
A: Honestly, I don’t think I would choose another school! Montclair has opened up so many amazing opportunities for me, and I really enjoy it here. That said, if I could go back, I might have looked into other options a bit more just to see if there was something that fit my personal interests even better.
Campus picture of Montclair State
In summary, college is a pivotal transition for high school students, reshaping their lives and embedding personal passions into professional paths. My cousin Ansel's experiences at Montclair State University reflect the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for students venturing into higher education. As I prepare to take my first steps into this new world, I draw inspiration from his journey and the memories we've built together, especially if my future lies at Montclair State University.
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