Academics

Category: Theatre and Dance

  • Emily Haugen ’23

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    harrietanderson

    “The thing that sets Gustavus Theatre & Dance apart is the community. There’s incredible support and kindness from all of the students but you also feel very supported by the faculty in a way that encourages you to do your best and keep learning new things about yourself and your craft. I’ve been able to…

  • Emma Forsyth ’25

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    harrietanderson

    “The Gustavus Theatre & Dance Department has provided me an opportunity to continue my dance education as well as given me a community where I feel I truly belong. The faculty within the dance major devote abundant attention to each student to ensure that every dancer knows they are important.”

  • Sydney Dimapelis ’24

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    harrietanderson

    “I chose Gustavus Theatre & Dance because it gave me the tools for the creative expression I was looking for in the theatre world. The program provided me with tools and skills that are unique and the classes involve learning new skills from great professors and students. This department provides all the things I have…

  • Elyse Doeden ’23

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    harrietanderson

    “The dance program at Gustavus is like my second home. I have loved learning the uniqueness of each professor’s own style from being in classes with them and being casted in their pieces. The dance program is one of my favorite aspects of being at Gustavus!”

  • Ainsley Cox ’24

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    harrietanderson

    “Being part of the Gustavus Theatre & Dance Department has allowed me to grow as a student, artist, and person.” Theatre major, Ainsley Cox, shares about their experience in the department. Every member of the community holds deep passion for their craft and it is a joy to work collaboratively with unique artists and push…

  • Austin Adler ’23

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    harrietanderson

    “Before college I knew I wanted to be a theatre major but something always felt missing. The Gustavus Theatre and Dance Department allowed me to capitalize on my love for acting while discovering my missing piece which turned out to be scenic carpentry.“ Theatre major, Austin Adler, shares about their experience in the department. Being…

  • Kjerstin Anderson ’22

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    harrietanderson

    “Designing the costumes for The Misanthrope allowed me to get into a top grad school and gave me the confidence to chase after what I want.” Theatre Major, Kjerstin Anderson, shares her experience in the Theatre and Dance Department. Designing the costumes for The Misanthrope allowed me to learn so many things, like the general…

  • Astrid Axtman ’22

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    harrietanderson

    “I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to create this piece as it challenged me as a choreographer, leader, and strategizer.” Dance major, Astrid Axtman, describes the experience of creating and performing a dance piece. It felt empowering to be trusted and given full resources to create and produce a feature dance with…

  • Cheryl Downey ’66

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    harrietanderson

    “Be resilient. Have faith in yourself.” “I was very aware of being a pioneer,” Downey says. One of the first women in the Directors Guild of America two-year apprenticeship program, she started as the second assistant director for the 1976 Western The Missouri Breaks, starring Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson. She was the first woman…