Rachael McDermott
Photos by: NLink-Photography
BIO
Rachael McDermott is a dancer with interests in performance, teaching, and theater tech. Originally from Farmville, Virginia, she is a 2019 graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory with a Bachelor of Arts. Her capstone project focused on Teambuilding in the Arts. She has been active in mainstage and blackbox dance concerts performing in faculty, guest artist, and student-produced pieces, such as In Contention by Stephanie Hotop, Within by Eddy Ocampo, Boogie by Maria Ortiz, and Est. 1967 by Marissa Myers. Rachael was also active behind the scenes for several dance concerts and theater productions working as Assistant Stage Manager, Fly Captain, Run Crew, and Light Board Operator for multiple dance shows, including programming the Eos Ti light board.
While at Shenandoah University, Rachael pursued interests in kinesiology, theatre, teaching, and arts management. She served as Secretary for Sigma Rho Delta, an active dance fraternity on campus with a focus on community outreach and promoting dance as both an art form and an educational pursuit. Sigma Rho Delta nurtures dance through outreach opportunities at nursing homes, Relay for Life, and by bringing in a guest choreographer for a residency at SU every year. In addition, she choreographed and taught solo works to teen dancers for competition and performance.
Each summer, Rachael worked at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Center as a Summer Staff Member. At 4-H camp, she worked with children aged 9-18 running programs, lifeguarding, mentoring teens, teaching classes, and more. The 4-H Camping program makes a difference in children’s lives through experiential learning. As the Low Ropes instructor, Rachael taught classes in teambuilding and worked alongside other staff members to lead programs such as campfire, talent show, pool party, field olympics, and other outdoor education experiences. As the SIT Manager, she mentored teens interested in staff positions by leading them through two weeks of apprenticeship. In the Aquatics Manager position, Rachael managed the team of lifeguards, kept track of training and laps throughout the summer, and led inservice for lifeguards so that skills were kept up with and practiced throughout the summer. These jobs entail working with the campers, teens, and adults as well as leading the staff to make sure they are doing their jobs effectively and accurately. She has extensive experience working with children and managing groups, and equally enjoys her on-stage and behind the scenes activities.
REEL
TEAMBUILDING RESEARCH
As artists, we are often asked to go to a place of emotional vulnerability, work long hours, and spend large amounts of time in close proximity with our coworkers. If there was a way to learn more about how you and those around you operate, would you do it? Teambuilding is a great way to utilize experiential learning to further an understanding of a team and ourselves, leading to a more effective and positive form of communication.
Rachael conducted extensive research into the use of teambuilding within the arts curriculum. As a part of her senior year capstone project, she led teambuilding sessions for dancers and promoted teambuilding ideals and practices within an arts curriculum.
After completing the 4-H Statewide Staff Training, Rachael used her knowledge of teambuilding in a variety of settings to strengthen group dynamics and promote a positive, supportive atmosphere.
Interested in teambuilding for your ensemble? Contact Rachael for more information!
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
Throughout the course of my own work, I have found strength in supporting others and helping to create a good energy in each space. I often reflect on the positive aspects of each situation and encourage others to do the same. I approach each new task with an open mind and a smile, and I believe that everyone has the capacity to succeed; they might just need a little guidance to get there. Because of these ideals, I often feel engaged and inspired in ensemble dancing, technical theatre, and educational settings. Ensemble works provide a chance for artists to share a space in a non-competitive, team-oriented way, bringing a choreographer’s vision to life. Going through rehearsals and performances together creates a dynamic in the rehearsal space and onstage that is exciting, inspiring, and one of the reasons why I love to dance. It is a means of expressing common emotions, coming together to promote one vision, and creating memories and bonds with those around you through the process.
Because of my interest in all aspects of art, I have worked in many different capacities: Light Board Operator, Backstage Crew, Fly Captain, and Assistant Stage Manager for dance and theatre shows. I have danced in ensemble works, performed solo work, taught dance to all ages, worked administratively as a desk manager, a building supervisor, and as a camp counselor at a summer camp. I have taught classes in teambuilding, performing arts, and leadership skills; and have worked both behind the scenes and as the supervisor of camp staff. All of these experiences have helped to shape me and bring out the aspects that make me unique as an artist.
My goal is to encourage the interpersonal relationships between artists in order to promote a positive, learning, and supportive atmosphere. Personally, I feel creatively fulfilled when everyone involved in a production are working together toward a common goal. Sharing the art of dance and being a part of performances is an opportunity that can bring us together as human beings to not only show our work but to connect people through a shared experience. Through working in the arts, I will continue to give back to the artistic community by using my skills to contribute to the work, the artists involved, and the people we touch through our process and final product.
