Where performance meets perspective: Purdue student connects psychology and theatre

Written by: Madelyn Moore

At age 6, Margaret Gholdson watched her older sister perform and felt drawn to the stage, sensing she belonged there too.

“I started performing at the age of 9 and haven’t stopped since,” Gholdson said. “That passion has evolved at Purdue through the ability to learn and dive deeper into the ins and outs of theatre and what goes into making a show come alive.”

Gholdson wrote her own play, Take the Stage, with her friend Jadyn Parks during their junior year of college. After presenting the script to the faculty of the theater department, they were approved to produce the show the following year.

“We wanted to write something relatable and close to home but also something entertaining in its nature and would make people laugh,” Gholdson said. “The ability to give more people inside and outside of this department the ability to act on a stage was truly a gift.”

Gholdson added that bringing her writing to the stage and seeing others help work towards her creative goal was rewarding.

“I remember opening night, I just kept looking at Jadyn and saying, ‘We did this,’ and we were just so surprised yet grateful that we were able to bring our vision to life,” Gholdson said.

Gholdson, a psychology and theatre major, sees a connection between the two through the introspection both require.

“As an actor, you sometimes have to play a part or a character that you can’t relate to,” Gholdson said. “You don’t understand their choices or actions, but you have to be able to keep an open mind to them and learn how to relate in some way so you can play them well, similar to keeping an open mind in a therapy session with a client.”

After graduating from Purdue this spring, Gholdson will begin her master’s program in the fall at Marian University, pursuing degrees in mental health and school counseling.

“My advice would be to do it. Broadening your horizons, your connections, and your overall network is never a bad move,” Gholdson said. “College is the time to explore all…make mistakes, make friends, and make memories.”