Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

Ross Keller was responsible for the video feeds and audio during the technologically intense production of "The Race" at Georgetown this fall. (Photo: Roland Dimaya)

By Gabrielle Matthews

The recent production of “The Race” was dependent on technology to succeed: and in order for the technology to function properly it needed Ross Keller.

Keller, a college senior, is well-rounded in his theater interests. He managed the lights for previous productions at Georgetown, as well as served as a cast member in the recent production of "The T Party," and "Pentecost" this spring. He is now working as the master carpenter for "The Bluest Eye." Weeks before "The Race" opened he heard the production team was in need of a video operator—so he took the job.

The job necessitated much multitasking. He was responsible for playing videos off a computer, and feeding them along with other live feeds and audio clips into output sources. He was working with many pieces of equipment: two computers, DVD players, four mixers, an iPod, and a moving camera remote. The pressure of so much equipment and so much going on ended up being positive.

“I learned the most from having to multitask so greatly while under pressure,” he noted.

The native of Stockbridge, MA, had a great time working with the cast and the creative team, while working on the technical aspects of the shot.

“What I enjoyed most about working on "The Race" was getting the opportunity to work with Michael Rohd’s creative team from Sojourn,” Keller said. “Working with young professionals like Liam [Kaaz-Lentz] and Shannon Scrofano was inspiring and a great learning experience. It was also really cool that I got to run video from the stage wing, very close to the actors and visible to half of the audience.”

Keller’s future plans are based on his experience of theater at Georgetown.  He plans to audition for MFA programs in January, and though he thinks his work in the theater may take him to New York or California in the future, he would like to spend time living in DC, acting and working in local theaters.

Print Article