Hometown: Troy Mills, Iowa
Major(s)/Minor(s): Double majoring in Theatre & Public Relations with Journalism minor
Why Ambrose? I transferred from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Professor Rick Anderson kept telling me how great St. Ambrose would be for me. For a while, I came up with excuses to which he always had a good counter-argument. Then, one day he introduced me to Dr. Corinne Johnson. That was it! I knew then that I had to be a part of the SAU Theatre department to be under her tutelage.
Previous SAU Productions: Madame de Rosemonde in Les Liaisons Dangereuses; Glory in Almost, Maine; Makeup Designer for Eurydice; Scenic Designer for No Exit; Props Designer and Chorus Member in Chicago; Understudy for Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest
Favorite role and why: I played Nat in David Lindsay-Abaire's Rabbit Hole at Kirkwood. The show is so powerful. The role challenged me in ways I never expected.
Who inspires you? The support of my family constantly inspires me, not only in theatre, but also to just be the best person I can be. As for a celebrity: Betty White because I want to be that kind of "old lady" and she's a terrific artist.
Favorite play/musical: There are so many good ones that it actually changes frequently. But today I would say Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire, Race by David Mamet or Serenading Louie by Lanford Wilson.
What drew you to theatre when? We didn't have a theatre department in my high school, but the choir department usually did a musical every year. I participated in those and always felt really good about doing them. I actually decided to get a theatre education after I got laid off from a financial institution after the recession hit hard. I realized that having a "practical" career is just as unpredictable as a life in the arts. So why not do what I love.
Favorite memory of SAU Theatre: My favorite memory comes from before I was a student at St. Ambrose. I had come to visit and see the show Columbinus directed by Daniel Rairdin-Hale. It was so gut-wrenchingly moving I still talk about how it affected me.
Words of wisdom or advice to future SAU Theatre students: Get involved. Do as much as you can. Try everything. But know your education comes first and don't feel bad for saying no to something that will over-commit you.
What will you miss most about SAU Theatre: The faculty and everyone else involved in productions with me. Especially, Cory Johnson who has not only been a professor, director, mentor, and confidante, but also a great friend!
What are your plans after graduation? I don't have it all figured out just yet. I know I'll be working in some facet of theatre somewhere, as well as continuing my new business I just launched called Sackett Creations, which specializes in up-cycling old sweaters.
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