From working in the film equipment checkout room to being a part of the DPAC Ambassador team, senior Film, Television, and Theatre major Abigail (Abby) Hunt has found her creative voice through storytelling. Whether she’s collaborating on class projects or helping showcase the arts on social media, Abby brings curiosity, collaboration, and passion to every project. In this Student Spotlight, she shares how her Notre Dame journey has shaped her creativity and confidence.
What role(s) do you play in the performing arts community at Notre Dame?
I am currently a senior Film, Television, and Theatre major with a concentration in television. I work in the film equipment checkout room in the basement of DPAC. This job has allowed me to get to know all of the other students in FTT, as well as all of the production equipment that Notre Dame offers. Now, I am also a DPAC ambassador, which has allowed me to better explore all aspects of Notre Dame performing arts while raising awareness for them on social media.
Do you have a favorite performance, role, or project you’ve worked on? Why was it special to you?
The best project I have ever worked on was the 30-minute multi-camera sitcom in Ted Mandell’s “Introduction to Production” class. My whole class got to work together to create this amazing masterpiece called The Writers’ Room. It was so fun to work together with all of my classmates and let our creativity run wild in order to create one of the most hilarious and confusing sitcoms ever.
How has your experience in the performing arts shaped you as a person?
My involvement in DPAC, specifically FTT, has inspired me to be more creative in my everyday life. I have discovered so many real-life applications to the skills that I learn in my classes and have lots of fun doing extra film projects in my free time. Since joining the performing arts at Notre Dame, I have been constantly reminded to pursue my passions in class, with friends, at work, and post-graduation.
Can you share a time when you faced a setback in your artistic journey? How did you handle it?
I came to Notre Dame freshman year as an architecture student. After a year in the program, I was faced with the big challenge of not loving that specific artistic medium, but not knowing where to turn next. It wasn’t until I took an FTT class that I discovered my new favorite way to let my creative juices flow. I have majored in FTT ever since and am so glad I made the risky major switch.
What advice would you give to a new student interested in getting involved in the arts at ND?
Do not worry about starting with zero experience. If you find yourself drawn towards the arts at ND, then DPAC is a great place to get started! Everyone is very welcoming and comes from many different backgrounds. Life is too short to not explore something that you are passionate about.
As Abby looks ahead to graduation, she reflects on how DPAC and Notre Dame’s performing arts community have helped her find her creative direction. Her story reminds students that it’s never too late to discover a new artistic path and that creativity often flourishes where curiosity and courage meet.
