Caitlin Zook closes the curtain on their Miami career

For Caitlin Zook’s final performance, even traipsing around stage dressed as an ailing Russian duchess can not hide their genuine love for their craft. From the moment the act opens to the very last bow, Zook’s joy is nothing short of radiant. They might not be the princess, but they sparkle all the same.

Zook, a senior strategic communication and arts management double major, said theater is their passion. They’ve been a member of Stage Left– an entirely student-run organization that produces two musicals each year – since their first year. They later became the lead counselor for a musical theater summer camp, worked for the Performing Arts series and ran the arts management social media page. 

All of their extracurricular activities have given Zook a strong sense of time and self-management.

“I definitely give myself a lot of grace, especially for Stage Left and extracurriculars,” Zook said. “If I'm not able to get something done in time, that has to be OK.”

This year, Zook had to juggle playing a lead role in Stage Left’s production of “Anastasia” and their other classes and responsibilities

Jobe Vogelsong, a senior strategic communication and political science double major, directed this year's play. He said Zook is one of the funniest people he’s ever met.

“For this show, we had to tell them to stop being funny, because they're so naturally funny and charismatic,” Vogelsong said. “That's just something I really admire, is that they're always the funniest person in the room.”

While they enjoy their time in the spotlight, Zook said some of their favorite roles are behind the scenes.

“I directed for Stage Left my sophomore year,” Zook said. “It was one of the most challenging things I've ever done. It's a lot of work, but it was also one of the most rewarding things.”

In addition to their on-stage part, Zook ran “Anastasia’s” social media, graphic design and promotion work as the PR director. 

They said their experiences at Miami have influenced their future career plans.

“I would really like to go into social media, marketing and communications for nonprofit art organizations,” Zook said. 

Whatever Zook does in the future, Voguelsong is confident they’ll go far.

“If there’s one word to describe Caitlin, it’s ‘light,’” Vogelsong said. “They light up every room that they're in.”

greenpt@miamioh.edu 

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