Field Work Term Spotlight: José Rubén Ruiz Garrido
At Bennington, José Rubén Ruiz Garrido '26 studies Drama with a focus on Acting and Stage Design. During his Field Work Term experience as a Lucille Lortel Fellow at Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), he gained a new approach to theater and a different perspective on the arts.
At Bennington, students spend six weeks every year taking their skills and knowledge out of the classroom and applying them in the world of work. They use this annual work-learning opportunity—known as Field Work Term—to deepen their studies, challenge and test new ideas, and hone their direction for the future.
How did your FWT relate to (or diverge from!) your studies at Bennington?
Working as an assistant for the production department, I got the opportunity to support theatrical performances from a logistical/administrative side. The production supervisors at BAM were extremely nice to include me in their work, making me part of the dialogue that occurs between them and the artist in order to bring a theatrical piece to life.
What did a typical day at your FWT site look like?
Arriving usually at 10:00 am, I would first pay a visit to the Fisher Theater, which was constantly busy with several performances. After a few hours, I would walk to the Harvey Theater, which is just a few blocks away. At that moment, the Harvey Theater was hosting a huge show, so I would watch how the multiple teams from the theater and the artist collaborated in order to construct the show. My day would end around 6:00 pm.
My schedule would constantly shift. Some days, I would spend time at the rehearsal studios in the main building, supervising various events. Other days, I would spend more time at the production office, helping out with administrative tasks.
What surprised or challenged you the most about your position?
Before starting my FWT, I wasn't clear on what my position was. I didn't fully understand the role of a production supervisor. However, working with this amazing group of production supervisors allowed me to learn the significance and complexity of their work. I was amazed by their vast technical knowledge and deep understanding in theater making—most of them coming from a sound engineering background—which are crucial when making important logistical decisions. On top of that, their artistic sensibility was vital in order to support the artist's intentions and turn them into a tangible performance.
What do you hope to do for your next FWT (or after Bennington)?
Before becoming a Lucille Lortel Fellow, the possibility of working in a theater in New York City seemed distant. Having the experience of working at BAM has helped me to open new possibilities, allowing me to see my education with a more grounded set of eyes. I am extremely grateful to the Lucille Lortel Foundation, Bennington College, and BAM for this opportunity.