College of Fine Arts Theatre

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Student Testimonials

Gabrielle Cross '12

Gabby Cross
Major:

Musical Theatre (B.F.A.)

Hometown:

Brewster, Minnesota

Involvement

I work in the costume shop, U.Brew (the on-campus coffee shop) and am a member of the Student Theatre Co-op.
Internships

I am a student theatre apprentice at costume shop on campus.

What inspired you to choose Theatre?

I have always loved being in shows and performing. If you are going to work, might as well be in something you enjoy!
Quote1_3If you are going to work, might as well be in something you enjoy!Quote2a_2
What made a difference in your college experience?

I got involved right away with the Student Theatre Co-op and that helped a lot. You just have to be willing to go and say hi to people, being open to new experiences makes college so much more fun!

What is your most inspiring class? 

They have all helped and are helping me become the actress that I want to be. One of my favorites right now is Choreography, I get to make up dances for a class, how great is that?

What are your plans after graduation?

I hope to get into a good summer stock with the option of joining the troupe, otherwise I think I am going to head out to New York City and give the Big Apple a shot.

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Mandi Jung '08

MandiJung_cropped
Major:

Theatre and Chemistry, double major

Hometown:

Rapid City, South Dakota

Currently:

Missoula, Montana

What inspired you to choose Theatre?

I had two great teachers in my life, one a science teacher and one a theatre teacher, and they helped me realize the potential I had in both fields.
What was your favorite part about USD?

I loved the campus and the sense of community. I actually liked that it was "small town."

Quote1_3I loved the campus and the sense of community.Quote2a_2
What made a difference in your college experience?
I really enjoyed being a part of the Student Theatre Co-op. Being able to work together, improvise and create something fantastic on a shoe-string budget has been essential to my current work.
What are you doing now?

I have been employed by the Missoula Children's Theatre for the past two and a half years. The Missoula Children's Theatre is a touring company that works with over 65,000 students annually all over the globe.

Do you have advice for students looking at majoring in Theatre?

Get prepared to know and trust yourself more than ever before.

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Jessica Verchio '12

JessicaVerchio_cropped
Major:

Theatre Technology and Design (B.F.A)

Hometown:

Hill City, South Dakota

Involvement:

I work in the theatre scene shop and participate in shows. I also participate in the Student Theatre Cooperative. 
What inspired you to choose your Theatre?

I loved theatre, but didn't realized I could major in it. My high school theatre director gave me a brochure for USD's theatre and the dates of the talent scholarship auditions. I looked in to it and now here I am.
Quote1_3I was impressed with how welcoming the Theatre Department was.Quote2a_2
Why did you choose USD?

I was impressed with how welcoming the Theatre Department was. Everyone was willing to talk to me and answer my questions. My mother was worried I wouldn't be able to find a job after graduating with a theatre major. Scott Mollman assured my mom I would have no problem finding a job as a technician, if I was serious and really wanted one.

What is your favorite part about USD?

I love the Theatre Department. We are like a family and everyone is very supportive. If I need something or am just going through a tough time, everyone is there to offer support and guidance.

What has made a difference in your college experience?

The Student Theatre Assistantship has allowed me to work in the scene shop and to get paid for it. I get the experience I need to be a better technician without having to balance school, shop hours and a second job.

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Allen Jones '11

Allen-Jones
Major:

Acting (B.F.A)

Hometown:

Miller, South Dakota

Involvement:

Mint (one-act play), A Midsummer's Night Dream, Man of La Mancha, Peter Pan, Boy Gets Girl, Sometimes She Dreams, Evita, Twelfth Night
Why did you choose USD?

The USD theatre department is an absolute jewel. Students get the same amount as intensive training as they would at any well known theatre conservatory, but for a third of the cost.

What inspired you to choose Theatre?

I have been in love with acting for as long as I can remember. From a very young age I was writing skits and putting on little performances for my parents. After my first time on the stage I have never wanted to do anything else with my life.

What is your favorite part about USD?

The theatre department!  The professors are always there for you, guiding you to  be better at your art at all times, and I can confidently say that I am prepared to enter the professional acting world thanks to the theatre faculty.

How is The U different than other schools?

It has most of the benefits from a top notch college, but a small town atmosphere. Everyone is extremely friendly, and it is very easy to escape the college atmosphere, which is a definite necessity sometimes.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I intend to dive into the pool! I am planning to go to as many unified auditions (a bunch of theatre companies watch you audition all at once) as possible.