A passion for theatre keeps Sandi Zielinski ’67, M.F.A. ’81, young at heart, and that passion was born at Illinois State University.
Appears In“During my education at ISU, there were always mentors. That’s what opened my world,” Zielinski said. “I didn’t just want to be a teacher to my students. I wanted to be a mentor.”
Zielinski’s enduring connection with Illinois State began as an undergraduate student. After spending some time teaching high school, she joined Illinois State’s School of Theatre and Dance faculty. Zielinski became head of the theatre education program at Illinois State and served on several other university committees during a 35-year career as a faculty member.
“Bringing in talented students and watching their confidence grow is the reason I wanted to be so involved at ISU,” she said. “The theatre education program started out with about four people, but I got to watch it grow to around 40 people when I retired.
“I loved every second of it.”
Zielinski resides in Bloomington, where she continues to teach and direct theatre productions. She currently directs older adults in the Young at Heartland program at Heartland Theatre Company.
Zielinski says it’s never too late to pursue a passion for theatre.
“I think the common thread with all my teaching—no matter the age—is helping the student or the actor to find themself and help guide them along that road, to ask them questions and let them give me the answers,” she said.
Zielinski maintains connections with many of her former students. She tries to catch up with them over dinners and by watching or attending their performances.
“It’s warmed my heart to see my students go on and find their paths,” she said. “Many of them live in Chicago now, and they come down to visit when they can.”
Zielinski can be reached at skzieli@icloud.com.
