There’s an Imposter in the Theatre: Belonging, Impostor Syndrome, and Community Building, and Its Impact on Students of Color in Theatre

Abstract

This article explores the general issues of impostor syndrome and the sense of belonging among undergraduate and graduate students of color in theatre programs. Dr. Crestcencia Ortiz-Barnett draws insights from her own experiences as an MFA student in directing at Arizona State University (ASU), and ongoing research with students at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NC A&T) where she currently serves as Assistant Professor of theatre and theatre historian. In the article, Ortiz-Barnett defines key concepts, discusses the manifestation of impostor syndrome subtypes, and highlights the critical importance of fostering inclusive communities to combat these challenges. The article also presents practical strategies and initiatives that Dr. Ortiz-Barnett created and implemented, such as the creation of the Black Theatre Organization (BTO) and Black Girl Magic Mentoring Group (BGM), and a pilot theatre exchange program that have all proven effective in empowering students and promoting a stronger sense of belonging. The findings emphasize that addressing impostor syndrome and cultivating true belonging are crucial for the academic and career success of students of color in predominantly white institutions (PWIs), while offering suggestions for administrators to adopt in the future as well as posing important questions on sustainability, retention and the invisible burdens that students of color bear while clearing a path for those who will come after them.