Student Testimonials

What do our current undergraduate students think about their University of Louisville Theatre Arts experience? We asked a few to answer questions about the program. Their answers highlight the many reasons why you might also be interested in pursuing your Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts at the University of Louisville.

What sparked your interest in studying Theatre Arts at the University of Louisville?

I was in the military at Fort Knox, and I was looking for local institutions with strong theatre programs. The AATP (African American Theatre Program) caught my eye the most.
Adama Abramson, Senior

I found out about the work scholarship that allows students to work on every mainstage production for the season in a hands-on learning environment.
Megan Meyer, Junior

Mostly because I've always done theater. I've always been around it, it's a significant part of my life. There's something beautiful with being able to create something from nothing and I have so much to learn from this type of contained environment.
Lionel Nasby, Junior

I got the most financial help!
Zach Stone, Junior

I did theatre in high school, and I focused a lot on lighting and design. I wanted something in the area (I'm from Indiana). After my interviews, I acclimated quickly to the space and thought it would be a good fit. (I was right).
Tyler Hieb, Junior

How does your creative work engage with what you feel is the most important issue facing the world today?

I've been privileged to work on shows based in race and sexuality, as they are a direct reflection of myself. These always need to be in dialogue, and the fact that we're constantly addressing these issues through shows is important. I find it great that this department seems to care about the world at large, and doing something about it.
Adama Abramson, Senior

I think an important issue in the world today is a lack of cultural awareness. My attempts to break boundaries have been through studying abroad and bringing a specific style of puppetry we learned in Brazil to the University. We've exposed a lot of people to this new, sustainable art form that really makes people think about how others are doing theater around the world.

Megan Meyer, Junior

A lot of the shows we do here focus on social justice and adding a design element helps to put out the message we have properly. Not every show will have a significant message behind it, and if I can help to design that world, that makes it all the more critical.
Tyler Hieb, Junior

Theatre brings people together. It's a way to establish connection, which is very present with the actors, tech crew, and the audience. And theater is a way to deal with or encourage people to expand their world views. If you see a show you're bound to expand your mind, and in that way you'll see my work.
Lionel Nasby, Junior

I'm really big on identity-based work, because I think today there is a huge shift in understanding individual identities and their variations. How I explore my characters is deeply related to that, so I do my best to explore mine and others' identities through the training I receive.
Zach Stone, Junior

Thinking back over the work you’ve done while at the University of Louisville, what production or project are you proudest of, and why?

I'm currently in it, but the Rep company (children’s theatre)! I like that we're doing theatre for young artists, which isn't taken as seriously sometimes but I enjoy engaging and inspiring kids -especially kids of color- and saying that you belong, you're relevant, and we see you. People of color and of marginalized identities can feel invisible in media representation, and it's much easier for children of color to feel this. Through Rep work, I feel like we're changing that perception. Eurydice involved a lot of body and ensemble work, and built a strong bond as a community as an ensemble. Getting to work in a group and still maintain individuality was a highlight for me, and the entire production itself was amazing.
Adama Abramson, Senior

I'm most proud of the piece we devised to tour around Brazil. I never worked with a group to devise a piece, I'm not usually a performer, and I had never been out of the country so I really stepped out of my comfort zone and it definitely paid off!
Megan Meyer, Junior

When I worked as an assistant lighting designer for Eurydice, I took on a leadership role and had a lot of tasks in front of me. I'm completely lighting Taming right now, and it has helped me figure out different strategies so that might change in a bit.
Tyler Hieb, Junior

Long Christmas Ride Home. I know that I've done a lot for many shows here, but I also had the challenge of building the majority of it and also act in it which was amazingly fulfilling.
Lionel Nasby, Junior

Long Christmas Ride Home. The show was mainly run by undergrads, and we all had a project that really felt like it was ours. Studio Theatre provides opportunity there as well as a sense but this was a mainstage production which felt inherently bigger.
Zach Stone, Junior

How have the Theatre Arts faculty influenced who you are or hope to be as a theatre artist?

The faculty have taught me a tremendous amount. I never acted before this, so this program serves as a foundation for me. They're very generous with their time and I constantly felt like I was playing catch up, but they kept my pace and met me where I needed to be. They are very adamant about sharing the knowledge they have to cultivate better students, and it shows through us as we grow. I owe them everything as an artist at this point to this faculty.
Adama Abramson, Senior

The Theatre Arts faculty are always trying something new, and encourage students to do the same. A lot of the things I want to build my career on are things I wouldn't have known I enjoyed if I wasn't provided opportunities and support by our department. I want to keep expanding as an artist, while inspiring others to do the same!
Megan Meyer, Junior

My father taught me everything I know and brought me into theater in the first place. Knowing these skills, I feel like I can do anything in the future, and it's greatly influenced because of this school. I've known many of the faculty and staff, and I've even had the opportunity to travel and see what I can do outside of here.

Lionel Nasby, Junior

I came into school with a vague idea of what it means to work in theater. The faculty have helped me recognize my talent. Ari really challenges me and gives me creative freedom in the assistant director position for Taming, which may help me spur my progression towards being a multi-faceted artist.
Zach Stone, Junior