Lecturer in the Spotlight: Nina Saunders

Can you share a bit about your journey leading up to BUas?  

Nina: ‘I attended college on a full theatre scholarship. Something I hadn’t initially envisioned as my path, but the scholarship offered an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I fell in love with the art of storytelling and its ability to share emotional narratives that can change lives. During my senior year at university, I started directing and composing my own music for the sound design in productions. One of which caused me to win a national award at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. This achievement led to an internship at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.’  

‘The O’Neill Center was an incredible experience. New playwrights submit their work, and if selected, it gets produced. I worked with Rob Kaplowitz, who opened the gateway for me into the industry. His advice has stayed with me ever since: “Do every job to the best of your ability, and you will always have work in this industry”.’  

‘From there, my career took me from one job to another in the media industry, often working on short-term projects across various locations. It was an exciting, lucrative life with opportunities to travel and collaborate with amazing people. However, being away from my husband, who was in Santa Fe, New Mexico, made me reconsider. I missed him and my family, and I realised I wanted something more stable.’  

‘This led me to a teaching position in Santa Fe, my first step into education. I loved sharing my knowledge with students and giving back to the community. I stayed there for several years while continuing to explore opportunities in the film and theatre industries, as New Mexico was becoming a hub for film productions.’  

‘Later, when my second son was born, we moved to Houston to be near family. While working in Houston, I noticed a gap in the quality of education compared to what I had experienced in New Mexico. This inspired me to create opportunities for students to write and tell their own stories. I started a project that became a highlight of my career. The “24-hour theatre project.” Participants would write, cast, direct, and perform a play within 24 hours. We would begin with a playwriting workshop at 7 PM, during which students had one hour to brainstorm and outline. They would then write their scripts overnight. Directors would workshop at 7 AM, actors would audition at 9 AM, rehearsals would start at 10 AM, and by 7 PM that evening, the performance would go live. It was an intense, rewarding process that brought out incredible creativity and passion.’   

‘Two of my students even won major playwriting awards. One of them wrote a deeply personal play about discovering her identity, which was controversial in the southern United States. Supporting her through that experience reaffirmed my belief in the importance of helping students find their voices.’  

‘After that, I pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Houston in production, delving into how creative storytelling could be therapeutic and help people process trauma. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, I started reflecting on my future. I realised I wanted my children to experience more of the world. I had travelled to Europe before, and felt at home there. While teaching at the University of Houston and earning a second master’s degree in leadership and management, I began looking for positions in the Netherlands. Through connections, I discovered BUas, and everything fell into place. I moved to Breda in September 2022 and started at BUas on 1 October.’ 

What do you like about working in education? 

Nina: ‘Education has the power to change lives, mine included. Teachers in my life opened my eyes to new perspectives and saw potential in me when I couldn’t. I love being able to give that back to students, helping them overcome issues, tell their stories, and see their full potential.’  

Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your career?  

Nina: ‘Joey Chavez was a fellow educator who showed me the power of the 24-hour theatre project. Kevin Rigdon and Paige Willson at the University of Houston, encouraged me to focus on the creative process of storytelling and instrumental into guiding me into the business side of the industry.’  

‘On a personal level, my grandmother believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. My yoga teachers, particularly Jananí Ayni and Robert Boustany, also deeply influenced me. Robert even connected me with Dorinda Farver in Breda, who introduced me to Brigitte van Pelt, a colleague at BUas. That is how I ended up here.’  

What aspects of working at BUas do you find most fulfilling? 

Nina: ‘BUas is a supportive environment where students and staff alike are encouraged to explore and grow. The collaborative spirit here is incredible, and I am constantly impressed by the quality and authenticity of the work students produce.’  

‘One of my favorite projects was a Capstone by alumna Joy Yperlaan, who explored how elements of Creative Business could be applied to funeral homes. She tested out many creative business techniques, including an interactive wall for ceremonies, blending media and emotional connection. It was a beautiful example of how creativity can transform even the most traditional industries.’   

What advice would you give to students who want to make it in the media industry? 

Nina: ‘Do every job to the best of your ability. Live your questions, and don’t be afraid to be unapologetically authentic. Set boundaries, take care of yourself, and learn to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth.' 

Connect with Nina Saunders 

Keep up with Nina’s inspiring journey and insights via her LinkedIn profile.