Make The Connection

July 28, 2022 | By Cole Hatcher

Bella Campos Hintzman ’22 is studying regional theater in California’s Bay Area, including involvement in ‘Romeo y Juliet’ at California Shakespeare Theater. (Photo courtesy of Bella Campos Hintzman)

Setting the Stage

Ohio Wesleyan Student Explores Regional Theater, Future Career Options

Bella Campos Hintzman ’22

Name: Bella Campos Hintzman ’22
Hometown: Fremont, California
Majors: Theatre and History
Minor: Spanish
OWU Connection Experience: Theater research in California

Hintzman received OWU Connection grant funding to complete “A Deep Dive Into Regional Theater Leadership in the Bay Area.” She is conducting research over the summer in support of her senior capstone project in regional theater career preparation.

Why I Chose This Experience

“I wanted to start making connections with practitioners in the Bay Area and develop a deeper understanding of the limits and potentials of the regional theater industry.”

My Favorite Moment

“My favorite moment so far has been meeting with Patrick Dooley of Shotgun Players. The meeting could have easily been an intimidating and stressful experience (especially because he was the first person that I met with), and instead he was funny and insightful. Everyone I’ve met has been so kind, and I look forward to joining them as a peer one day soon.”

Lessons Learned

“I’ve been drawing on the examples set by these practitioners and the shows I’ve gone to, and adopting practices from each that resonate with me. I truly understand more about myself, what values I want to carry with me and my work, and what kind of artist and administrator I strive to be.

Expanding Experience

“The most exciting part of this project has been the chance to speak with people who are doing exactly what I want to do. For example, I’ve spoken with a resident dramaturg, a founding artistic director, and a community and education programs coordinator. It’s been really beneficial to take such abstracted understandings of how to do these jobs and ground them in personal experience.

“Everything I’ve learned ties directly or indirectly into my future career. I will continue my learning next semester during my senior project (an independent study on regional theater leadership).”

Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan

“For opportunities like this! I also intended to study abroad, but both my attempts were canceled due to COVID.”

My Plans After Graduation

“I plan to teach English in Spain for an academic year! After that, grad school.”