Please welcome to the first Senior Spotlight of the year, the wonderful and incredibly talented Megan Clarke!
Although her time here at Ambrose has been short, she has made an incredible impact on the department, playing roles such as Miranda in The Tempest, Mrs. Cartero in Flat Stanley, Jennifer Jones in The Realistic Joneses, and Richard Duke of York in Richard III. When you need your daily dose of enthusiasm for life and especially theatre, just call Megan. She can typically be found in the costume shop working side by side with her best friends and accomplices Costume Shop Manager, Dianne Dye and fellow work-study student, senior Kelci Eaton.
Let's learn more about her journey to St. Ambrose and her experiences here!
Major: Theatre
Home Town: Glenview, Illinois
How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as a quirky individual, who desperately tries to make the people around her feel welcomed.
What is your favorite role you have played at St. Ambrose and why?
My favorite role so far has been Jennifer Jones in the studio production of The Realistic Joneses, directed by Rachel Pribulsky ‘17. It was one of the most challenging roles I have had the privilege of portraying. Most of the show focused on the simplicity of everyday life, which in my opinion is far more compelling to watch than high stakes drama.
As an actor, what is your dream role and why?
Honestly, I have never thought about a dream role. I try my best to fall in love with every single role that I am fortunate enough to interpret. My favorite characters tend to be emotionally dynamic and fluctuate between comedic and dramatic within the same show.
What initially drew you to St. Ambrose?
I had received my associate's degree at Kirkwood Community College, and Rick Anderson had recommended that I transfer to St. Ambrose. After a gap year, I toured the campus and met with Cory Johnson and Dianne Dye, and I knew almost immediately that this was an environment in which I could grow as an artist and make lasting friendships.
Can you list some of your favorite memories from your time here at Ambrose?
The costume shop is a safe haven in the theatre department, and working there has provided me with some of my favorite memories. Working with Dianne and Kelci Eaton has been wonderful!
My time with the Mississippi Bend Players this past summer has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and while it was not directly related to the St. Ambrose University, I worked mainly with Ambrose faculty and students. I was an actor in their production of Brighton Beach Memoirs (left), and I will cherish that experience always.
Is there any advice you would like to share?
The one piece of advice that has helped me make the most out of my time here would be: fully immerse yourself in the program. I decided to dive in headfirst because I only had 2 years here, instead of 4. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. This department holds some of the most talented and dedicated individuals, and being surrounded by that amount of passion is endlessly rewarding.
Do you have any future plans?
I hope to continue performing. I will most likely move back to Chicago and try my luck there, but I am excited to see where this field takes me!
Do you have any parting words you would like to share?
I totally appreciate all those who have helped me succeed here. Not only the incomparable faculty, but my peers, who have decided to openly accept me as part of their family. I came into this department nervous that I would not be able to find my place, but with the assistance of the incredible people here at St. Ambrose, I was able to thrive here in these short 2 years. Thank you!
Thank you Megan for all you do for our department and for our theatre family. If you would like to see Megan in action, come see SAU Theatre's fall production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile, where she will be portraying the character of Schmendiman. We here at SAU Theatre know Megan will be truly missed, and we wish her the best as she discovers her place in the world, knowing she can always call our stage home.
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