Joseph Formholtz knew he wanted to attend the University of Dayton’s engineering program. What he didn’t count on, once here, was the “lab” where he’d find new opportunities to blend engineering with art would be UD’s Roger Glass Center for the Arts.
“There have been so many opportunities to demonstrate my skills, and learn new ones,” Formholtz said of working as a student employee in the Glass Center, an opportunity that’s afforded to him thanks to the support of One Day, One Dayton donors.
“A lot of technical work goes into making events happen — things like choosing and positioning lights, figuring out electrical circuits and problem-solving in real time,” he said. “It’s all technology, so in a way, I get to apply my engineering mindset even when I’m working in the arts.”
The Glass Center opens doors to transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students across multiple disciplines, from media production to art and design, theater, and music, as well as those pursuing other fields of study. It also provides greater connection with the Dayton community through a variety of art mediums.
Formholtz’s portfolio includes a variety of productions including dance, jazz and symphony performances and art gallery openings. Each event has sharpened his technical abilities, expanded his creative perspective and connected him to diverse communities of artists and audiences.
According to Matt Evans, Roger Glass Center for the Arts technical director, when UD students engage with the larger Flyer community and with local arts organizations like the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, the experience becomes greater than simply exposure to the arts.
“They’re stepping into the heartbeat of the artistic community, experiencing creativity in motion and discovering they have a role in carrying those stories forward,” Evans said.
Formholtz certainly plays his part, handling the lighting and electrical demands of each performance. In doing so, he’s discovering a plot — the work isn’t just carrying stories forward, it’s also helping him write his script.
“I’ve learned skills I can bring into internships, co-ops or whatever comes next,” he said. “There are a lot more paths I can take after graduation. Be it theater tech or the traditional engineering route, I know I have these extra skills and options.”