First Year Becky Meissen

The St. Ambrose University Theatre Department is blessed to welcome many hard-working and talented first-year students each year. This month, one of our spotlights is shining on Rebecca "Becky" Meissen. While only a first-year student, Meissen has jumped right in, and our department is lucky to have her.

While she may be new to SAU, Meissen is certainly no stranger to the stage. She began her theatrical career in the sixth grade.

"I loved watching theatrical productions when I was younger," Meissen said. "I was so excited in middle school when I finally had the chance to be a part of one."

Since then, she has been a jack-of-all-trades. She loves acting and singing and has even played two of her dream roles: Ursula in The Little Mermaid and Paulette in Legally Blonde. However, she has also tried her hand at designing sets and props as well as participating as a crew member backstage.

In fact, you may have seen Meissen as Mother Swan in Honk! Jr. this past December. Otherwise, you can see her artistic capabilities this April as the props designer for Tartuffe.

"I'm a super artsy person," Meissen said. "When not working in the theatre or on homework, I love practicing my skills whether it be in painting, drawing, etc."

Meissen combined her skill set in high school in a unique way. While she was a junior at Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, Iowa, her drama department put on the musical comedy Urinetown.

While she enjoyed participating in the ensemble, she also designed the production's set.

"I loved working on Urinetown," Meissen said. "It was definitely the most fun I have ever had working on a show."

Deciding on where to attend college came after she visited campus a few times.

"I picked St. Ambrose because when I came on visits, everyone in the Theatre Department seemed very welcoming," she said. "Also, it was close to home without being in the same town, and that was important to me. I'm looking forward to furthering my education here in subjects I truly care about."

With a triple major in Theatre, Graphic Design, and Art History, Meissen will certainly keep busy during her time at SAU.

All in all, the SAU Theatre Department is truly blessed to have such an artistic powerhouse as part of the team. The Department is ecstatic that Meissen has decided to call SAU home and cannot wait to see what amazing accomplishments she will have in the upcoming years.