Theatre Professor Trevor Belt has announced his resignation as Associate Professor of Theatre. Belt has taught at Baker for four years, serving as the associate and assistant professor of theatre. During his time at Baker, Belt has inspired many students through his love of the arts and his commitment to helping them grow on and off the stage. In addition to teaching, Professor Belt has produced, directed, and starred in many shows that have been put in the spotlight. As Professor Belt leaves the institution, he leaves a memorable mark on students and Baker University.
While Professor Belt’s time at Baker is coming to an end, he continues to work in the performing arts at his alma mater.
“I got a job as the director of technical theater and design at State Fair Community College,” Belt said. “This job is similar in cases where [at Baker], a lot of set design and the sound design. I also directed a lot or most of the shows here and it’s similar in that way where I will do all the set design, lighting design, and sound design and the technical direction at the college. It’ll be a little less teaching.”
Professor Belt’s leaving Baker University is an opportunity to go back to his roots.
“My mentor for 31 years is retiring, and I got his job. So, it was something that I could not have turned down. I am excited for the opportunity, excited for new adventures, and excited to go to a place with a lot of resources.”
Professor Belt’s new opportunity allows him to build on the same skills and experiences he has developed through his time at Baker and allowing him to continue organizing productions and supporting students in a similar environment.
Being the only theatre professor at Baker, Belt said he was in search of a more collaborative experience.
“There is a little bit of a bigger theater faculty there, so I’m not by myself where here I am. At State Fair, there’s two other people to help so it can be more of a collaborative experience, and we can improve the quality.” Belt Said.
Reflecting back on his four years at Baker, he notes that it wasn’t the theatre that made his experience meaningful, it was the people.
“The faculty, students and colleagues are what I am going to miss. That is the best part of Baker. It’s a special place to work, and I am super grateful for the time I had here. I’ve grown a lot as a teacher, an educator, and as an artist.”
Professor Belt has put on many shows at Baker University, one of his favorites being The Diary of Anne Frank. “One of my favorites would be Diary of Anne Frank, that was a special one.” Belt says. “I love the fact that we had an opportunity here at the Baker Theater to collaborate with the community theater, the Lumberyard and the Baldwin City Players. They were instrumental to our success and almost all of the shows that are my favorites were collaborations with the community.”
Before Belt concludes his time at Baker, his final act will be producing and designing the show ‘A Puppet Show for the End of the World’, written and directed by Baker student, Rene Lyons. The show will be presented April 23 through April 26 in the Darby-Hope theatre.
“We’re going to go out with a bang,” he said. “We’re going to end on a good note and a [with] play that no one’s ever seen before.”
