(Photo by Sarah Manriquez)

Artistic Statement 2025

By Kjrsten Colleen Schindler

Although raised in a science-based household, I have always been artistic.  I excelled at writing stories, taking pictures, and arranging flowers.  After fifth grade, I was homeschooled until college.  As an only child with few to no friends, I found companionship in the characters I created.  I used that whimsical creativity as an outlet then; now, it serves as my self-expression.

My love for theatre ignited at the age of seven when I saw The Phantom of the Opera live in Las Vegas, sitting beneath the chandelier as it plummeted.  Despite this experience, I began my acting and filmmaking journey later than many.  I started at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks (UAF), majoring in Biology with a focus on Pre-Veterinary Medicine, as I had enjoyed this field with my dad.  Three years in, my dad passed away, which dimmed my interest in the sciences.  I spent a summer at Utah State University, where I first explored the field of film. I then returned to UAF, took classes in Psychology and Acting, igniting my passion for the arts.  This inspired me to double major in Psychology and Film, with minors in Theatre, Creative Writing, Justice, and Music: Vocal Performance, thereby acquiring a diverse range of practical and artistic skills.

I have participated in four UAF mainstage plays: The Shape of Things (Stage Manager, Spring 2023), Dance Nation (Stage Manager, Fall 2023), Tiny Beautiful Things (Assistant Stage Manager, Fall 2024), and Strike! (actor, Spring 2025).  I’ve participated in several short films: UAF: The College Tour (actor, Fall 2022), Strange Embrace (Boom Operator, Spring 2024), and Mend (Sound Designer, Spring 2025).  I have also produced short films and radio productions, including Depression (Spring 2023) and Aschenstiefel (a full-length radio play, 2023-2025).

Majoring in Film and Psychology enhances my understanding of how people think, which in turn improves my character development in writing and directing.  A friend reminded me that to create compelling stories, one must understand human behavior from both the character’s and audience’s viewpoints, anticipating their reactions.  Psychology helps bridge this gap, offering a fascinating perspective on the filmmaking process.

I am grateful for the friends, encouraging teachers, and mentors who have supported me on this journey.  I look forward to creating more meaningful art and building relationships in the future!