Goshen College begins the 2024-25 school year with over 37 new employees, one of whom is succeeding Jacob Claassen as the theater department’s technical director.

Brenton Abram-Copenhaver is the newest member of the theater staff. He grew up surrounded by performing arts — his parents owned a visual and performing arts school.

“They taught art, music, drama and dance,” Abram-Copenhaver said, “that was my after-school and upbringing.”

Throughout high school, Abram-Copenhaver continued to work in theatrical productions. He volunteered at community organizations and he performed in high school plays. 

Following school, he made his way to Chicago, where he studied acting at DePaul University for four years. During these four years, Abram-Copenhaver starred in numerous shows.

After graduation, he stayed in Chicago, continuing work as an actor. 

“While acting, I worked a variety of different jobs, most of them involving a construction element,” he said. “I worked for a racking company, I refurbished furniture and I worked with chess boards.”

He moved to the Michiana area

following his time in Chicago, where he worked with Indiana University South Bend, Notre Dame and St. Mary’s, all on the technical side of theater. 

At IUSB, he held the position of technical director, while at St. Mary’s, he held the assistant technical director position. At Notre Dame, he operated as assistant technical director for their Summer Shakespeare program.

While in South Bend, Abram-Copenhaver worked as a copywriter with DOJO Creative, writing blogs for company clients. 

When asked about this focus outside of theater, he reflected a bit upon his status as an artist.

“I never really wanted to leave,” he said, “and I remained artistically engaged, even when my career led away from an artistic focus. I feel blessed and privileged to be able to work in the arts.”

Abram-Copenhaver emphasized the need to identify and examine one’s own strengths and weaknesses in regard to what one can contribute to a wider group.

“I realized that I have a certain set of skills — not to quote Taken — and that if I want to serve the larger community, it needs to be in a place where I know I have the appropriate skill set.”

A large part of filling the technical director role is an understanding of performing arts, as well as the more technical aspects, such as shop, lighting, or sound. Abram-Copenhaver’s background contributes heavily to what he hopes to accomplish for the department, as well as for the school. 

“I hope to offer any student who comes through the shop, who works with me, a set of tools that they can carry with them forever,” he said, “and I hope to invigorate their passion about theater. Storytelling is essential to being human.”

Both Amy Budd, associate professor of theater, and Abram-Copenhaver also look forward to bringing the fall

mainstage, She Kills Monsters, to life. They encourage prospective students to get involved with the theater department on campus.

“Don’t be afraid to give it a try,” Budd said. Abram-Copenhaver shares a similar sentiment, stating the need for many skills in the theater department. 

He also stresses the unique amount of transferable skills involved in theater. Public speaking, communication and problem-solving all represent theater as much as they do other disciplines.

“There is a place for you in theater,” Abram-Copenhaver assured, “it’s just waiting to embrace you.”