Long hours. Endless work. Tough criticism — experiences a budding Nebraska Wesleyan University actress from Juneau, Alaska, takes seriously.
"I love the camaraderie of the theatre," said junior Natalia Spengler. "There’s beauty in a group of people—actors and audience—coming together in a space to tell a story. It’s transformation. And there’s nothing else like it."
Spengler is looking ahead to her role in NWU’s fall production of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors.” The production is especially fitting having completed a four-month study abroad experience at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
Considered one of the United Kingdom’s top drama schools, LAMDA provided the opportunity for Spengler to fill her days with acting and theatrical movement classes, scene workshops and rehearsals for LAMDA productions. Instructors were quick to give feedback and push students to their theatrical limits, said Spengler.
“Through LAMDA’s training I was able to refine my acting style and learn about techniques that I would not be exposed to in American drama training,” she said.
Her love of Shakespeare blossomed with opportunities to visit the Globe Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, and attend theatre performances at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Spengler came to Nebraska Wesleyan University by way of Juneau, Alaska. She was in the midst of applying to theatre programs across the country when he learned about NWU. She auditioned for 13 schools, but it took only one meeting with theatre professors Jack Parkhurst and Joan Korte for her to realize her acting journey would to her to Lincoln.
“I was very impressed by the professionalism of the program, the volume of productions—more than 40 a year—and the personal attention from the faculty," she recalled.
Now entering her junior year, Spengler’s passion for acting continues to grow.
"I have access to many theatre and performance classes, but I am also able to take liberal arts courses—an opportunity I would not be given with other BFA programs," she said. "The number of opportunities to perform, as well as direct and design shows, is unique to NWU theatre."
— Story by Quinn Hullett, public relations intern
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The 2017-2018 theatre season includes:
- 1776 — August 17-20, 24-27
- The Comedy of Errors — September 21-24, 28-October 1
- Dividing the Estate — October 5-8, 19-22
- Heathers — October 26-29, November 2-5
- Dancing at Lughnasa — November 9-12, 16-19
- A Christmas Carol — November 30-December 3, 7-10
- Death of a Salesman — January 18-21, 25-28
- Peter and the Starcatcher — February 1-4, 8-11
- Well — February 15-18, 22-25
- The Bridges of Madison County — March 15-18, 22-25
- She Kills Monsters — April 5-8, 12-15
- Cabaret — April 19-22, 26-29