When Joel Williams first arrived on the campus of Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, he had every intention of becoming a video game designer. Until he took a computer class and didn’t understand any of the course material.
“I was initially a computer science major,” said the senior theatre and criminal justice double major from Hope. “After a discussion with my advisor, I realized that I didn’t need to be a computer science major to be a video game designer.”
In the meantime he discovered a new career path. Williams took an acting class so he could have a fun course on his schedule. Even though he didn’t receive a part in the first play he tried out for, Williams decided that acting might be his next career choice.
“I continued to audition,” said Williams. “I decided that I wanted to pursue acting.”
Three years after arriving on the SAU campus, Williams has a long list of acting and behind-the-scenes credits to his acting résumé.
Although he is not a member of the cast in his last production at SAU, Williams is still a part of the play. He serves as assistant house manager of the Department of Theatre and Mass Communication production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged.”
Performance dates for the play are Tuesday through Thursday, April 25-27, 2006. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in Harton Theater. Admission is $2 for students, faculty, and staff, and $4 for general admission.
“I really wish I was acting in this production,” said Williams. “When I read the script, I was convinced that this play was for me. Unfortunately, I had a time conflict and was not able to be a member of the cast.”
He is also filming a documentary about the play from auditions to the final bow.
“After graduation I am going into film and acting,” said Williams. “In the fall or spring I will attend the New York Film Academy.”
Williams is convinced he will make it in the world of film and acting, but he has a back up plan just in case.
“I chose to have a criminal justice as a double major because I wanted to do something where I could help people,” he said.
From props manager to sound design to publicity, Williams has been involved with every theatre production since he has been in school.
“As a theatre major, students are required to have some role in every production,” said Williams. “This involvement gives me a better education and understanding of how things work.”
Williams is a 2001 graduate of Northside Christian School in Texarkana, and is the son of Keenan Williams and Peggy Williams of Hope.
