Hannah Richey
Opinion Editor
[email protected]

Visual and performing arts majors rely on critique and feedback from their professors and fellow students in order to hone their craft and online classes can pose a barrier to that but also push their creativity.

“This is a challenging time for everybody, especially in the creative and performing industry, in a world where we exist with the audience and we exist with collaboration and we exist with peer-to-peer learning,” said Roy Lightner, assistant professor in the department of theatre.

Levi Sanford, a junior in graphic design, said classroom time is really valuable.

“With my classes, a big part of it is having that in-person critique,” said Sanford. “I really miss having that just because that’s when you grow and learn so much as an artist.”

Sanford said the canvas discussion boards don’t work as well for him as an artist because tones can be misconstrued through online writing.

Bailey Dumlao, a sophomore in theater performance, also said feedback through an email isn’t as helpful as being in class.

“My acting class has turned into I just send in clips of me performing a monologue twice a week,” said Dumlao. “I get feedback and then we move on.”

He said not being able to go over his monologues again after hearing the critique to understand what adjustments are needed hasn’t been as helpful.

“Classes are made to build up until the end and I think all of us are at a huge loss for not having the experience,” said Dumlao.

Sanford said it hasn’t been all bad and challenges are pushing his creativity.

“Before if you come to class you usually get the chance to show your ideas and get input about it versus now it’s kind of a good and a bad thing,” said Sanford. “As a creative, you want to be challenged anyway so this is a greater challenge to exemplify and work towards our creativity and make something really unique.”

Lightner said the beginning of the semester is used to work on technique and technical skills. Now that UAB has moved online he said he is trying to “foster the creative spirit,” in students.

“I’m quite busy but the most important thing for me is letting students have the opportunity to learn techniques to use online,” said Lightner. “What sort of tools and programs and creative ideas you can use in the digital age has been my focus for this time.”

Sanford said some challenges arise for him with access to space and materials he needs to do his work.

“I’m sure some people don’t have the ability to run the Adobe programs that we need,” said Sanford. “I miss having those big desktops that you didn’t have to worry about overheating.”

Sanford also said his video projects are made more difficult by not being able to go out and film.

Dumlao said his professors have been handling this as best as they can without being overly demanding with their final projects as they complete them due to difficulty getting materials.

Lightner said online assignments are focused on creativity and showing normally unseen feelings that students have.

“My goal as a professor is a holistic approach to education,” said Lightner. “It’s important to me that they understand the validity of their voice, especially in a time where they might feel voiceless.”