Arts Student Spotlight
This week I had the opportunity to interview Eliyana Brown regarding her role in the theatre program on campus and her role as Nan in the upcoming performance of “Exit, Pursued by a Bear” because it gives a look at what is to come in October. Eliyana was excited to share her experience in theatre and was happy to share what is to come soon from the theatre department.
To start the interview off, I asked Eliyana when she got involved in theatre on campus. She responded that “it was the fall of my freshman year, Fall 2020, but I didn’t feel like I was really part of it until my Sophomore year, Fall 2021.”
When asked about her thoughts after her first bit of rehearsal, she said that she is “really excited to see how it’s going to turn out.” Eliyana then added that “it is fun to read on your own because it’s funny, but when you work on blocking and acting it out the text comes to life.” To respond to that I asked her what her favorite line is which is a hard job from the number she must learn.
Eliyana said how her favorite line “is not a funny one, but it is one that defines my character well, ‘And for once- I want the deer to win.’ I don’t want to spoil too much though.” Eliyana shared great excitement about the performance coming up for her and the rest of the cast.
I have seen several students on campus express joy for a theatre organization on campus but nervous due to being in front of an audience, so I asked Eliyana what she would want them to know regarding that. Eliyana responded to the question by saying “I was the same exact way when I started doing theatre in high school, it is one of those things that is nerve-wracking when you get started but you’re surrounded by a lot of great and supportive people who will cheer you on no matter what and make the atmosphere calming and welcoming. I’ve made all of my friends through theatre and without it I would still be extremely shy and locked into my shell and I wouldn’t have broken out of it. I wouldn’t be myself today.” People are not alone in that fear, but there are opportunities to grow. She expresses her want for others to take that leap and take a chance to make the most out of what college offers.
To finish the interview, I asked Eliyana if she has any other comments about the upcoming performance, and she wanted to share information and her excitement about what is coming up. Eliyana asked for people to “please come watch our show, it opens October 6th and runs through October 9th and it is an ICE Event! The show deals with some dark themes but it is a comedy. You will not be disappointed if you come out to watch it. I am very confident in our cast and crew and we will work hard over these next few weeks.” She added that she doesn’t want to place any pressure on the rest of her cast but expressed that she believes everyone is working well together and will accomplish great things for this performance.
I hope this all opened your eyes about how USCA’s theatre program is and it may even entice you to try out for a role sometime or help in theatre. Eliyana Brown shared her love for theatre to me and does not want others to be intimidated like even she once was.
If you are an a student that participates in the arts (be it your major, minor, or even a club you’re in) and are willing to be interviewed please reach out to me, Isaiah Gillian, at igillian@usca.edu and we can set up an interview together! I would love to hear more about everyone’s experiences in the arts here at the university and spotlight more people on campus!
