At SHS, former student Cara Hinh participated in activities that gave her the experience and the ability to have a long-life career as a director.
“The activities at Southport, like Journal and theater, are the reason why I was able to begin my life-long career pursuit … ” Hinh said. “Doing those extracurriculars, it’s so worth it.”
Throughout her education, Hinh had many ideas on what she wanted to do after high school, but after one special show, she knew what she had to become. During her years at SHS, Hinh participated in journalism and photojournalism, because she was interested in photography and the power of journalism, leading her to become an Entertainment reporter and eventually editor for The Journal. She was also involved in theater.
After high school, Hinh went to Miami University and got her bachelor’s degree in theater. Since then, she worked in different positions, trying to find her career. While doing a theater festival located in Massachusetts, Hinh saw a director turn an old play into something new.
While observing this event, she realized that she loved the work and enjoyed the power of being a facilitator and being able to alter things. At that instant, she recognized this was the career she had always envisioned for herself.
“In that moment, I was like ‘wow.’” Hinh said.
After determining her career, Hinh started to transform plays into her own interpretation. From that point forward, she became a freelance director and started to direct many of her plays in other parts of the U.S., including Indianapolis.
Circling back to where it all started, Indiana, Hinh will share a piece at the Indiana Repertory Theater (IRT) this November where she will direct ‘A Christmas Carol.’
“IRT is the only and regional theater in Indiana,” Hinh said. “And its goal is to serve all of the state and all the Hoosiers with exceptional world-class theater that is geared to the folks of Indiana, and that it tells amazing, diverse, original stories.”
Hinh’s path has been embarked by growth and discovery from high school to where she is today. With her determination, she was able to find a career she’s passionate about.
“A director is an interpreter, a facilitator … ,” Hinh said. “And I loved the idea of being a facilitator, being someone who helps create structure.”
