Written by Izzy Uecker, class of 2028
Director, educator and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) student, Blake Tobey plays many parts at Doane University. His current — and arguably most important — role is his effort to redefine how theatre is created and experienced.
Tobey’s Doane debut began as an undergraduate when he earned a degree in English education. He stayed on for the second act — completing his first master’s degree — and is now back on for his encore as he works toward his MFA.
“I just had such an amazing, profound experience here as an undergraduate student,” Tobey said. “I knew I wanted to come back someday and give back to the university.”
Now, more than a decade after earning his undergraduate degree, Tobey is doing just that. His work on Doane Theatre’s spring performance of A Map of Virtue serves as the final project for his MFA. But for Tobey, it’s more than an academic requirement — it’s an opportunity to explore a new philosophy of directing, one rooted in mental well-being and sustainability for artists.
“This show is ‘an exploration of evil,’” Tobey said, “and it’s heavily trauma-focused. That makes it the perfect show to test my hypothesis.”
The hypothesis? That actors can deliver powerful performances without sacrificing their mental or physical health in the process.
“I truly believe that theatre artists can make really good, impactful theatre without sacrificing ourselves to the art,” Tobey said.
His passion behind the project comes from his background as a high school director. During his tenure, Tobey experienced burnout himself after putting in anywhere from 60-80 hour work weeks over the years, without taking much-needed breaks.
“That’s just not a sustainable way to live,” said Tobey.
Tobey has taken a step further to ensure his efforts to combat burnout extend across all areas of theatre, including both the cast and production team as well.
He sees A Map of Virtue as an ideal testing ground for his philosophy. The emotionally intense nature of the show presents a challenge: Can a cast and crew navigate such heavy material without leaving rehearsals mentally and emotionally drained?
“Can we have a rehearsal process that involves enough joy throughout that we are excited to come back?” Tobey added.
Tobey believes the real test will be how everyone feels once the show closes. Instead of the usual post-production crash, he hopes his cast and crew leave feeling proud, energized and ready for what’s next — proof that theatre can be both powerful and sustainable.
Tobey is more than a director, educator and student — he is a visionary in the world of theatre and an integral part of the Doane community. His approach offers a model for sustainable, meaningful theatre-making. In a field where burnout is common — especially among those juggling both performance and academic demands — Tobey’s philosophy provides a hopeful path forward.
