UP in Theater: Welcome!

"The primary function of theater is not to please itself, or even to please its audience. It is to serve talent." -- Robert Brustein

Hello and welcome to my blog, UP in Theater!

My name is Roya and I am a senior at the University of Portland. This blog will center around the Performing & Fine Arts Department at the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon.

There are about 44 students within the acting program. These students are being trained and are performing at the Mago Hunt Center, the home of UP theater.  Many of those students are also participating in Portland theater with various acting projects outside of school.

The 8 seniors in the drama department alone have accomplished some amazing feats while being students at the University of Portland.

My housemate, senior Danielle Larson, is a member of Theatre Vertigo, an ensemble theater group in Portland, while Connor Bond, also a senior, starred in a Blackberry commercial this past year. Senior Phil Orazio is a two-time regional champion for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Also, senior Conor Eifler wrote an adaption of “Alice in Wonderland” which was performed last summer by Nomadic Theatre.

Four of the 8 seniors in the acting program just returned from a trip in New York City where they auditioned for graduate schools such as Harvard University and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

And if that wasn't enough, next week 44 UP theater students will be traveling to Humboldt, California to compete in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

  

So why am I blogging about theater?

Well, ever since I was in high school, I have been fascinated with theater and the arts. I never had the guts to audition for a play, let alone stand on the big stage. When I came to college, I really discovered my love of theater, of acting, of the actors. I became really good friends with those in the UP Theater Department through my high school best friend Karen Vance. Now, three years later, I actually live with three students who are heavily involved in the program! Theater is all around me, and I would love to share that all with you.

Anyone can be a part of theater even though many of us will never step on stage. From listening to actors and attending plays, I have learned so much. I have learned the value of conveying emotion, the power of a good script, the importance of excellent stage direction.

This blog will give insight into the world of acting through the stories of UP theater students. There will be updates on upcoming productions, reviews of scenes, interviews with professors, and acting insight from students.

Check out UP in Theater for news, interviews, photos and more.

The best is yet to come!