Olney Theatre Center believes in supporting and inspiring the next generation of theatre makers. As part of this mission, the theatre provides an Apprenticeship Program every year. The Apprenticeship Program is a year-long experience that spans multiple departments and offers emerging theater artists the opportunity to get hands-on experience in their intended arts profession. Meet one of 13 apprentices, Derrick Buie!
Name: Derrick Buie Jr.
Apprenticeship: Education & Community Engagement
Pronouns: He/him
Hometown: Southfield, MI & Fayetteville Ga
Education/Training: Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
Favorite Show you have been a part of: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical- role: Percy Jackson
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Which apprenticeship are you part of at Olney Theatre and what does that position involve?
I’m an aspiring actor, singer, educator, and Giant Nerd who literally cannot stop singing (if you dont believe me ask any of the other apprentices). I was a scientist in another life, until I got hit by the theatre bug. I am also obsessed with Stage Combat (I have certifications in 2 weapons and plan on getting more).
At Olney, I am currently the Education and Community Engagement apprenticeship. This position straddles two separate departments. On the education side, I work alongside many schools and youth organizations in the DMV area to provide workshops, tours, and other theatre educational experiences for students and adults alike. For community engagement, I help plan and host the various events that we do at Olney and in the community.
Why are you interested in this area of theatre?
My interest in Theatre education arose during my time in College following the pandemic. One of the first shows that I performed in was a production of Pinocchio which was a service project geared toward introducing the students at the nearby Elementary school to live theatre. We had over 500 students attend our show. Following that performance, we held a mini workshop with the students while in character. Seeing their smiles and enthusiasm to learn was a high motivator for me to keep sharing this wonderful gift. Additionally, in my biology world, I had been a Teaching Assistant for the past year, and I loved every second of teaching. For Community Engagement, I was the president of my campus’s Gaming Society, Theatre Company, and Theatre Honor Society. I was also a member of our SGA. In all these roles, I lead the planning of events throughout campus, all of which were designed to reach out and bring in new members from our local community into our groups. From formals to field days to culturally significant events and Advocacy events, I was deeply involved in the planning and execution of each one and loved it.
What inspired you to get into theatre?
As a kid I was also always singing, still am now. You literally couldn’t get me to stop, still can’t. I remember growing up watching Dream Girls, High School Musical, and the like. I wanted to so badly get up there and join in the dancing and the singing. It looked like way too much fun. When I got to middle school, I got the opportunity to join my school's drama club, and that's all she wrote. From there, I was able to star in a few short movies we made, and a couple staged productions. I loved every second of being on that stage, and what's even better, I remember the absolute joy I felt seeing the smiles and laughter on everyone's faces! If doing theatre could keep making people smile like that, well, what else would I ever want to do?
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Hmm, personally I would consider myself multidisciplinary (I know a big word, let me explain). I have always had deep-rooted connections in both the Arts and Sciences. My whole life I have been constantly seeking ways to combine the two. Oftentimes in my work as a creative, I try to incorporate my scientific knowledge into my work. This is especially apparent in creating movement in some of my more vibrant characters. I have even been finding ways of using my art to communicate more about the sciences too! I just love the way these two seemingly opposite topics converge and help me create and tell so many wonderful stories.
What do you like to do outside of theatre?
Outside of Theatre I am a HUGE NERD. I love to play board games, video games, and card games like Magic: The Gathering. I am also a Big lover of Comics, Kaiju Movies (think Godzilla), and anime. I also love to watch the occasional nature documentary. I am also a huge dinosaur lover, so I will consume pretty much any media about them that I can, including movies, documentaries, video games, tv shows, books, you name it!
What is your favorite part of this apprenticeship so far?
My favorite part would have to be all the wonderful people in this community that I have gotten to meet, especially my students. As the Education and Engagement apprentice I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet with so many different people in the DMV area. Especially the students that I work with at Loeiderman Middle School. Every day I work with them, I am blown away. These students are so gifted, and they each bring something new to every single class. Honestly, this class is the highlight of my week every time I get to teach them. Just between us, I would go crazy without them (but don’t tell them that).
