The Director

Nov 22, 2017
3 min read

Anna Broussard - Director of Nicholls Players

A 2003 graduate from Louisiana State University (LSU) with Bachelor's Degrees in Theater and English language and completed her Master of Arts in Communication Studies at LSU in 2007.

Anna Broussard has been a large influence in my passion for Theatre.

She's been a pivotal part of my decision to become a teacher and inspire others with Theatre.

But I'm not the only one she's touched as a director.

"Anna has shown the casts that she directs how to give their all and shine for every performance." - Laura Lee

I wondered what exactly influenced her?

So I ask.

Me: What inspired you to become a director?

Anna: I don't know I've always wanted to do it. I always - um I liked doing theater and I wanted to start being in charge of it. I think too - I know that sounds really bad I just wanted to be in charge of everything. I started seeing directors of mine in high school and I would - you know - realize I had different ideas and I wanted to try to see what my ideas would look like. If that makes sense?

M:When did you start acting?

A: In high school I started acting - doing theater in high school and I got to stage managed a production in high school. And then I really enjoyed doing the behind the scenes and being in charge stuff and that's when I wanted to try my hand at directing.

M: What do you look for when picking a season?

A: Oh I look for work ability, if -um- we need plays that will work with the group that we have here, stuff that's interesting, we also need one show a year that we can invite a high school audience to because we want to be able to bring in -you know- younger people into the theater. And so really a lot goes into - it's a very difficult decision.

M:Why a theater degree? Would you recommend it to others who are purposing acting/directing?

A: Uh - possibly a theater a degree. I am using my theater degree and even so it teaches a lot of students leadership skills, team building, teamwork skills, a lot of technical stuff, it comes with a theater degree and the tech work you'll be used elsewhere. Even acting I think - I know people who got theater degrees who used it in other careers. I know one of my friends from my undergrad that got his theater degree from LSU and he's a lawyer now. And he used that- he's ability to present to an audience. He's use that and instead of an audience he's presenting to an court room.

M:Why did you become a teacher?

A: I kinda always wanted to do this. I didn't know that I necessarily wanted to teach Theater, or English or Speech. And I kinda just found my way into what I wanted to teach and I really do enjoy teaching. I like trying to teach people how to do things. I really like teaching theater and I don't know. I was always that kid that liked being in school and I kinda decided that I wanted to stay in school .

M: Forever.

A: Yeah forever. *chuckling*

"Anna is the driving force behind the Nicholls Players. Without her there is no “Players.” She spends a lot of her time and sanity making sure we have access to the resources and facilities we need.

That woman needs a raise." - Chad Durocher