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Theater and Dance Professor Merges Storytelling, Art, Reading, and Psychology
*By Larry R. Hygh, Jr., Ed.D.
"Leave it better than you found it.’ I apply the campsite rule to my work, my relationships, and my overall legacy in the world--I seek excellence in being a presence for betterment. I am captivated by storytelling, psychology, connection, and detailed design,” says Brittany Bodley, Assistant Professor in the Theater and Dance department at California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH).
She teaches design, tech, and management with courses that focus on costume design, hair and makeup, scenic design, stage management, lighting, and design. Prior to CSUDH, Bodley was an Assistant Professor at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. She has more than 15 years of experience as a freelance designer, artist, consultant, and production manager.
“In my area in particular, I’m looking to grow design, tech, and management in the department of theater and dance,” she says. “I’m also looking to find ways to get our students into a variety of professions within design, tech, and management and help them develop skills for the things they are interested in for the future.”
Bodley says she gravitated towards design because it is a field in which all of her interests merged-storytelling, art, reading, and psychology. “I approach design with a value towards the story and what those characters represent,” she says. “I love the study of humans and their behaviors in conjunction with how that translates into their appearance. The design comes alive in the details!”
Bodley’s research will focus on the psychology of design. “I focus on how it influences everything from our mood to our productivity,” she says. “I have a pedagogical belief that sharing our knowledge and experience leads to great connection. There is so much opportunity for what I practice to be shared in different ways.”
Bodley cites her mother and grandmother as her greatest influence when it comes to design and life in general. “I’m a big proponent that those two ladies worked hard for me not to be great,” she says. “They are curious, interesting, and always evolving people. My desire to strive for excellence comes from them.” She comes from a multicultural family upbringing.
Bodley loves college football. “I have a love in general for college sports. If I’m not designing, I’m watching sports in general.”
Bodley is a native of Huntsville, Alabama, and earned a Master of Fine Arts with dual emphasis in Design and Art History at the University of Iowa, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Arts from Troy University. She was awarded an Achievement Award for Excellence in Design from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
What’s the best part of being at CSUDH?
“The students. They are a really fun and interesting group of people who are excited to learn and dive deep.”
What advice do you have for students?
“Always be learning. The learning that you do doesn’t stop at graduation. Have curiosity in life.”
What do you like doing outside of being a professor/hobbies
“I paint. I love paddle boarding, but I’m not great at it. I enjoy basically doing anything by the water. I like walking my dog. I like mountain biking, anything that gets me outdoors.”
What is your favorite quote?
“Success is the product of daily habits, not once in a lifetime transformation. You get what you repeat.” (James Crear)
Website
www.BrittanyDeeBodley.com
*Hygh is an Assistant Professor in the Communications Department teaching in the Advertising and Public Relations degree program. Prior to academia he spent 20 plus years as chief communications officer in The United Methodist Church. Visit him on the web at www.LarryHygh.com.