Alumni Spotlight: Hammaad Chaudry '14
Was there a specific faculty member or peer that especially inspired you while at the School of the Arts? If so, who and how?
There were many faculty members who influenced my work and myself, it would be difficult to choose one. Having said that, two classes that stood out for me were Collaboration Class taught by Anne Bogart and Storytelling by Gregory Mosher.
Anne’s class involved students across the MFA program, playwrights, directors, and dramaturges collaborating with each other. As a playwright, it was hugely beneficial to write short pieces, rehearse, and then have that work put on its feet in front of your peers and Anne for feedback. The latter aspect, seeing your work performed was really useful in letting one gain an insight into how things translate from page to the stage.
In Gregory’s class, we explored Aristotle’s Poetics, looking at what Aristotle theorizes about plot, drama etc. and seeing how it applies to historical and modern plays. This class was good in equipping one with certain skills on how to read a play closely, in particular for structure and being able to identify the ‘story’.
What were the first steps you took after graduating?
The first steps I took immediately after graduating were to stay on the sofas and floors of many generous friends. The next immediate step was to get a job and find a suitable place to live in New York so I could continue working on my play and get my playwriting career going. Getting an Artist Visa so I could stay in the country was quickly added to the plate as well.
What advice would you give to recent graduates?
I honestly don’t feel I have much to give here. All I can do is share what (possibly) may have worked for me. New York can be a difficult city. If you want to explore or ‘discover who you are’, this might not be the best city to do that, unless you’re rich.
After you graduate, if you decide to stay in New York, then stay for a reason. That will give you a certain drive and focus which will help you through the many challenges that you will encounter.
Have a very clear, specific and tangible goal that you’re working toward, such as working on a particular project and having it realized to its full potential, and let everything else you do in life be in service of that goal.
Also, if you can, have good health insurance.