Senior Spotlight: Kendall McKasson

St. Ambrose University has a small senior class, but they are full of talent! The senior highlighted for this issue is Kendall McKasson, a Theatre major with a minor in Arts Administration. She's a beloved "Techie" and captain of the St. Ambrose Tech Team. Most recently, she stage-managed the main stage production of Rumors by Neil Simon.

When asked what led to her love of theatre, McKasson said, "I have always loved attending theatre and being part of the arts. When I was a freshman in high school, my cousin was stage-managing a production of My Fair Lady. They were looking for extras, and she thought it might be something that would help me break out of my shell. After much contemplation, I decided to give it a shot. My mom and my best friend went with me, and we all got cast as extras. I had so much fun in the process that I decided life without theatre would be unbearable. Since then, I have been sincerely devoted to the theatre." 

"In terms of acting, my favorite role I've played was Charlotte in Dear Friends," McKasson said. "I love things that challenge me and that was one of the hardest but most rewarding roles I've ever played."

"I would love to play Fanny Brice in Funny Girl," McKasson said. "I love that she explores comedy and drama all in one. It is one of my favorite roles in theatre, and I think it would be so much fun to have the opportunity to play her."

Choosing a school is never easy. So why the SAU theatre program?

"When I visited campus for the first time, everyone was so polite and kind," McKasson said. "I felt like I was in the company of old friends with students and faculty that I was meeting for the first time. The SAU Theatre Department had such a good reputation, and I heard only good things about it. I would make the choice all over again if given the chance."
Just because she is a transfer junior and has spent less time in the SAU Theatre Department doesn't mean she hasn't made amazing memories.

"My favorite memory at SAU was when the Tech Team won the coveted Golden C-wrench at last year's Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival," McKasson said. "Winning was great, but I think my favorite memories were the late-night practices and bonding nights we spent together in preparation for the competition."

Eventually, student's years at St. Ambrose come to an end, and students must have an immediate plan for graduation. McKasson's plan is to attend graduate school for directing. She is currently looking at the University of Iowa for grad school.

Ambrose teaches multiple skills to fully prepare students for the workforce. Many students use these skills to pursue a dream career, and McKasson is no different. "I would like to get my PhD so that I can teach theatre at a university," McKasson said. "I love directing, though. So, if I can pursue directing in some capacity, I will be doing what I love."

When asked what personal mark she wants to leave on the department, McKasson said, "I just want to do the best work I can in the time I'm here and learn as much as I can to take with me as I go out into the real world. I have already created so many amazing relationships. I consider this department to be my second family. My goal is just to spread love and positivity and create art with my best friends."

There you have it, folks. A small but intimate look inside the world of Kendall McKasson and a little bit about her time in the SAU Theatre Department. The Department is incredibly lucky to have her, and she will do amazing things during her lifetime.