My Bio
Justin Thomas Rozinski is currently a senior at Ball State University studying Technical Theatre with a focus in Technical Direction and Carpentry. Past Productions include Man of La Mancha and Noise is Off at the Dunes Summer Theatre 2018 and Mary Poppins and West Side Story at Utah Festival of Opera and Musical Theatre
My Story
So Covid happened?
It is perhaps the greatest understand to say the Covid has effected our industry greatly. I was rehired to the Utah Festival and planned on returning until I like so many others had my contract postponed till it is deemed safe to return to live theatre.
As life changes so most plans, so my plan for my last summer of college changed from get more experience and fill out my resume more to how can I make the most money possible to set myself up for success when the world reopens.
I took odd jobs in lawn work and home repair but the main gig I picked up was Mcdoanld's. I had worked there through high school and it is honestly not a bad job.
With me being me and not able to halfway do anything, I threw myself into this job. Working hard and being the positive energy in a room I always am within two months I was promoted from crew to crew trainer and then again to a kitchen manager.
I am a firm believer of playing the hand your dealt the best you can. As my grandfather always said
What is my favorite show?
My favorite show will always be Les Miserables. It was the first show I ever did in high school and really the first live show I saw. I love the story of rebelling and hope. It is just all around an amazing story.
My favorite show that I have done recently would be Noise is Off. It was my first show in the "real world" as a TD and it was such a blast. I loved the challenge of getting the set to rotate 360 on top of all the regular challenges that come with a show.
Where do I want my career to go?
I want my career to take me all over the world. I would love to spend the early years of my career traveling with shows both around the country and world. Further in the future I would like to end up at an University teaching. But the future is endless and full of possibilities.
Where did I grow up?
I grew up in a small rural town in Northern Indiana with my mom and dad along with 5 sisters. Where I was involved in band (Tuba) and choir all throughout middle school and high school. I was also involved and am a proud ten year member of 4-H.
Why did I get into theatre?
I chose this path because it combines my two passions construction and theatre. I have always been and visual thinker and leaner so construction came naturally to me and I really enjoyed it. My love of theatre comes stems from the stories it tells and the way that it shapes the world around it just as much as the world shapes the stories on stage.
Where am I now?
I am currently a senior design and tech student in the Deparment of Theatre and Dance at Ball State University. I am studying to be a Technical Director. I am also an employee of their scenic shop, where I get practical experience for the future.
My decision to come to Ball State was made because of the practical experience they give you in your chosen field and their message of kindness.
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What are my interest outside of theatre?
Dungeons and Dragons has over the last four years become by far my favorite hobby for many of the same reasons I love theatre.
DnD is all about the story and the community you build while making the story. I am sure everyone can find joy in gathering with your friends and telling a story together.
I am currently DMing a game set in the world of Avatar the Last Airbender which has been a great story to escape into during the exciting world of 2020.