Q&A with non-acting major Sydney Syverson

Sydney Syverson as The With in "Into the Woods"
photo by Jamie Kluth

Fun fact about UP Theater: You don't have to be a major to audition for the plays!

Here's a Q&A with senior Sydney Syverson, a social work major, who acts in UP Theater productions.

Q: What made you audition for UP Theater?
Sydney Syverson: I've been doing community theatre since I was 7. My dad has always encouraged me to be involved in theatre and he's my biggest fan. I attended a performing arts high school in Las Vegas where I majored in theatre. This was not an exactly favorable experience for me so I kind of gave up on theatre once I graduated. After returning from Salzburg my junior year I realized how much I missed being on stage. I auditioned for the shows Spring semester of my junior year and was cast as Little Sally in "Urinetown." And it's been awesome ever since! I finally realized that this is how theatre is supposed to be - fun and with a theatre family who supports you whole heartedly.

Q: How has it been for you to act with UP Theater?
SS: It has been such an amazing experience. I was so tired of the politics of theatre from High School and all that nonsense that I wasn't sure I was ever going to enjoy it again. I was so wrong. I have made the closest friends in the theatre department - I have truly been blessed to be so welcomed into their family! I love them so much!

Q: What made you get into acting in the first place?
SS: My incredible father, Michael Syverson. He is my biggest fan and advocate. He has always encouraged me to further my interest in and pursue theatre. I really appreciate having such encouragement from my parents. They fly ip from Vegas to see every show I'm in. It's wonderful.

Q: What advice would you give to a non-major who would like to act?
SS: Do it! Just because you're not a major doesn't mean you won't be cast at all. Another piece of advice is to be outgoing! The theatre kids are really nice people, but they have been together since freshman year so you do have to kind of weasel your way into the group. But if you put forth the effort, they will love you!

Q: What shows and roles have you had at UP Theater?
SS: Little Sally in "Urinetown," Mrs. Gibbs in "Our Town," and now The Witch in "Into the Woods."

See Syverson in "Into the Woods" this week! 
Performances are tonight through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Senior Series Part Five: Danielle Larson

photo courtesy of Danielle Larson

Danielle Larson is constantly running around on campus. Whether it's running to class, catching a voice lesson, or grabbing a bite to eat before play rehearsal, Larson is on the go. Her four years on The Bluff have been memorable, from her eight shows to her and Phil Orazio going to the ACTF national competition in Washington D.C. her sophomore year. Larson has been seen in the UP productions of "Threepenny Opera," "Rumors" and "Much Ado About Nothing." Larson will be acting in her eighth and final show at UP in "Into the Woods."

Asides from UP Theater, Larson was heavily involved with the UP startup company Electric Opera Company, has performed in Mock's Crest Productions for the past two seasons, and has done stage readings for Portland Theatre Works.  Currently, Larson is a member of local ensemble company Theatre Vertigo.

Next year, Larson will be taking her acting skills to New York City with fellow UP Theater student Sammi Boyd.

"I've always known that I wanted to take a gap year to apply for MFA programs in Acting, but I recently made the decision to take that time living in New York," Larson said. "From there I'll be trying to get more acting work than other work while applying to MFA programs, Peace Corps, and Korean teaching programs."

In the future, Larson aims to become a "self-supporting artist of good repute."

"To me it feels like an exploration of the human soul and human capacities, and an exploration of the mysteries that pass between people," Larson said. "It's a process of fully exploring everything you're capable of as a human being, and simultaneously figuring out how to share that with other people so they can also learn through your exploration."