UCSC Graduate with a Passion for Language

Odessa C.

My name is Odessa and I love helping others to learn. In high school I tutored middle school students in Algebra, as well as tutoring a fellow high schooler in Latin (my language elective). In college at UC Santa Cruz I studied Theater and devoted myself to becoming a dramaturg, the member of each theatrical production who is responsible for all research done on the production and helps the actors onstage to fully understand the words they are saying. Much like tutoring this involves having an individual relationship with every member of the cast and ensuring that I am giving them every resource and attention that they need, because it is their work, not mine, that is the final product.

Since a young age language has been a study and a passion of mine. In an elementary school immersion program I learned Spanish as a second language and have kept it up to this day. In high school I studied Latin for four years. Both of these languages have aided and enriched my understanding of English and helped me to look at it from new and unexpected angles. I have also devoted a large amount of time to studying Shakespeare and in my theater work helping others to understand the dense and difficult Shakespearean English.

Being a dramaturg means having a thorough understanding of theater theory and history. In addition to this, my time at UC Santa Cruz's Theater department allowed me to try my hand at all aspects of theater work, from acting and directing to stage crew, set construction, and lighting. I know theater from all angles and, as a dramaturg, my job is to help others to know it as well.

Please contact me if you have any questions. I would love to help your student have a better understanding of their subject.