Tricia Hulet is the director of Theatre Arts and an assistant professor of communication at The Master’s University, where she has directed and produced plays and musicals for almost twenty years. She is also an alum of the University and is ACBC certified.
We recently asked her a few questions about her passion for God and directing theater at TMU.
I grew up in the most amazing family. Both my parents were very ministry minded and I watched them disciple high school students and lead Bible studies. The gospel was always spoken about in our home. When I was five, I drew a picture of myself with what I envisioned as Jesus and I told my mom I wanted to be a friend of Jesus. I remember wanting to be saved and to honor the Lord forever. As God grew me, I learned that’s only something I cared about because God had regenerated my dead heart, making me aware of my need of forgiveness and his complete provision in Christ.
I couldn’t think of anything better than investing back in the place that God used to change me and my husband. We would both say we wouldn’t be the people we are today without the things we learned — the foundation of the sufficiency and authority of Scripture. And we saw this work out in the relationships that we built here as students, because we talked about the things we were learning. Our professors instilled in us this love for Christ and His Word.
When I was very young my parents took me to a high school production, and I remember thinking, “You can do this? I want to do this.” And my mom said I was never the same. Then, when I was 9, I had a director who helped me gain confidence and understand that it wasn’t about us — it was about giving a gift to the audience. And that really inspired me.
I love that it is a platform for growth and discipleship through such a fun, beautiful, and creative medium, and that it is a reflection of God Himself. It is an opportunity to impact people and for them to grow, and I’m so thankful I get to be a part of it.
It means it’s not about us. It’s about reflecting what God has created and who He has created. Even Jesus used stories to communicate truths. Stories are very powerful, but so often we get distracted with ourselves. We miss the opportunity to reflect not only God Himself and His character, but the depth of His plan and that He’s going to redeem our fallen world. And all of this can be shown in story. It’s an opportunity to reflect our Savior to a desperate and needy world in such a fun way. And it’s about doing it in a way that is Christ-like.
This spring we’re going to produce a play called “The Importance of Being Earnest,” which is set in Victorian England. It’s a very famous comedy, and is quite witty. I’m excited for the students to learn it, and the goal is for them to know it so well that those watching it don’t even know they are in another time. The cast is awesome. The costumes will be lavish. It should be a wonderful time.
As we look at a show, even a secular show, through a biblical lens, there’s a lot of questions to ask about relationships, friendships, motivations, and identity. We always have a rich time discussing the worldviews behind these shows and how to best look at them through the lens of knowing the Creator Himself. We are looking forward to learning how to tell this story truthfully, both from the angle of the craft itself, in believable and truthful artistry, but also from a worldview perspective.
Learn more about TMU Theatre Arts here.
