When I look back on my life and review the many ups and downs amidst the trials and tribulations, one thing has always remained a constant: my love for the theatre. In one way or another, theatre has played a pivotal role in forming the semi-grown-up man I am today. Be it on stage, backstage or taking notes from my seat in the audience, it’s invariably clear that live theatre has the ability to transform our lives. Whether we’re actively or passively participating, the role that it plays in our day-to-day existence differs, and this past week has been a shining example of that. 

I’m reminded of that old pithy saying; “When one door closes, another one opens,” and attending a graduation ceremony last weekend at Cobalt Studios exemplified those words. The ceremony represented the culmination of the studio’s two-year scenic artist-training program, one that has been in existence for 30-plus years under the tutelage of Rachel Keebler, artist and teacher extraordinaire.

 The small groups (usually two to eight per cycle) of students live in and on the stunning campus grounds amidst the wonders of the natural world in Sullivan County. Aside from a summer break in between the two years that comprise the course of study, the artists-in-training have hands-on experience with Keebler and the guest instructors who come and go. 

During their time here, students work on many of the large-scale projects created at Cobalt—scenic backdrops that are designed and executed for theatrical productions all over the country. In doing so, they’re both working and learning the art of the art, which is sometimes mind-blowing (IMHO). As they acquire a knowledge of how to navigate the world of imagination, using skills learned and honed at Cobalt, in turn they create memorable, magical theatrical experiences for us—the audience.

So as one door closes, others swing open, and this year’s graduates—Tory Hood and Luci Sloan—are spreading their wings and going out into the world, ready to take on whatever theatrical adventures await. A sizable crowd of appreciative family and friends was in attendance for the festivities, which included a silent auction of impressive pieces the scenic artists have created over the course of study. 

As party guests mingled, nibbled and eyeballed the stunning works of art, some of which are gigantic, I made silent notes of my own, afraid to hope that I might snag one of the pieces created by the unbelievably talented graduates. Hoping against hope, I silently made a bid before chatting with the young ladies about to walk through that door.

 “I can’t believe it’s graduation day!” exclaimed Tory Hood. “I have been honestly mourning this day since we came back after summer break last September. This place is so special and magical,” she shared, “and has led me to the most amazing people, people I will forever consider family.”

“To experience the beauty of nature here has been something that I’ll carry with me forever,” Tory said, tearing up a little, “but I’m sad to be leaving it behind. The environment here [on campus at Cobalt] absolutely fosters creativity.”

When asked how so, she elaborated. “Rachel once gave us an assignment on looking at shadows, and living here—where the atmosphere is shrouded in nature—is so inspiring. The land, the stone walls, the dappled light and shadow of the leaves on the ground, it’s all just so fantastic and you begin to look at the world in a whole different light—literally. It’s inspiring.”

With just two people in the graduating class this year, it’s even more impressive that although they had never met before beginning their course of study, unbeknownst to either the connection had already been made. Fellow graduate Luci Sloan broke it down for me.

“Tory had been working in a theatre for a few years in Florida,” she said by way of explanation, “and I was working in a different theatre about 30 miles away in the same county, but during that entire time we were unaware of each other and had never met. Once we knew that we would both be studying at Cobalt,” she continued, “we connected through social media, and realized that we had a lot in common.”

“And now we’re BFFs for life,” Tory interjected. “We like to tell people that we’re two halves of one brain.” 

“If that’s so,” I added, “then you are more like two halves of one very talented, incredibly gifted brain.”

Both ladies grinned, while extolling the virtues of each other and their mentor. “Rachel is amazing,” Luci said as Tory nodded in agreement. As if it were planned, and almost in unison, both graduating artists said “It’s been an experience I’ll never forget.”

As for Keebler, she has an eye on retirement and in doing so, is bringing a successor on board. After much consideration, she has chosen former student, scenic artist Terra Writz, to head up the program, beginning “in a year or so.”

“Yes, I’m a graduate of the Cobalt Studios’ course of study. I was incredibly thrilled when Rachel asked me to come on board,” Writz told me. “I’ve been in residence since returning last August. I’m still in training, working closely with Rachel for the next year [or so]  while learning how the two-year cycle works and eventually, she’ll be handing over the reins to me full time.” 

While Keebler might be preparing to step down, it’s clear that she’ll still be around. Whether it’s consulting, teaching or simply observing remains to be seen. Meanwhile, she had some words of encouragement for the young ladies preparing to take the theatrical world by storm.

Following some words of praise for all involved (Keebler is quick to point out the hard work of the entire team), she announced that both women already have jobs in their chosen field waiting for them after graduation. (I’d call it a testament to their training grounds too.) She believes that they will “succeed admirably.”

 “I’m confident that Luci and Tori are [now] equipped to take on whatever challenges they are presented with. Every job is different,” Keebler explained, “and every designer wants something unique. Each one of these pieces [displayed] on the walls represents a different technique and style that they will take with them to meet those challenges.” 

I learned that while they might have been familiar with some of those techniques before studying at Cobalt, each student has learned, grown and excelled at the tasks they were assigned during their course of study. 

We toasted the graduates before the bell rang, signaling that the bidding had concluded for the silent auction and that I had won a piece created by Tory Hood. It’s an incredibly detailed three-by-four-foot sculptural stonework detail of what might found on the exterior of a (possibly) European building. Except that it’s not 3-D and it’s not stone. It’s an oh-my-gosh-is-that-a-painting-on-canvas, and now it will soon adorn a sizable wall at Camp Fox. 

I may have won at the Cobalt Studios scenic design auction, but if “all the world’s a stage,” we all win by having these talented women about to see their curtain rise on what promises to be a great career. Brava! 

Fun Fact: “All the world’s a stage” is a famous phrase that begins William Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy, “As You Like It,” which was written in 1623, right around the year I was born.