Acting/Directing - Students
The students featured below are winners of the 2009 Odyssey of the Stars Scholarship from the Acting/Directing Division, and each have had a unique journey in their studies in the School of Theatre & Dance.
Laramy Applekamp is a senior in the BA Theatre program in the School of Theatre & Dance. She served as the dramaturg of our Spring 2009 production of Buried Child. She was also assistant stage manager on the Fall 2009 production of Eurydice. Laramy notes that "as a future high school English and theatre teacher, The University of Montana’s School of Theatre & Dance provides me with exactly what I need in the wonderful Education Endorsement Preparation specialization. The engaging courses, knowledgeable and supportive professors, exciting opportunities, and the warm, outgoing environment all work together to make this School, hands-down, my best experience in college, and exactly the learning environment I could wish."
Hannah Kanengieter is in her third year of the BFA Acting program in the School of Theatre & Dance. She performed the role of Miss Adelaide in our Spring 2009 production of Guys and Dolls and could be seen as the Little Stone in the Fall 2009 production of Eurydice. She recently completed Montana Rep's national tour of Leading Ladies and is stage-mananging an upcoming production for MRM.
Bridget Smith is in her third year of the BFA Acting program in the School of Theatre & Dance. She appeared in our Spring 2009 production of Medea and was Guildenstern in the Fall 2009 production of Hamlet. Bridget was also in the cast of Spring 2010's Tongue of a Bird. She is the treasurer of the UM Theatre Collective, one of the School of Theatre & Dance's ASUM-recognized associations. Bridget says about the program: “When I decided to major in theatre at The University of Montana, I knew very little about what I was getting myself into. However, being in the School for a little over three years, I have never looked back. Being surrounded by a family of professors who truly care and students who share the same passion as me has been invaluable to my college experience.”
Jeff Verlanic is in his third year of the BA Theatre program in the School of Theatre & Dance. He is a recipient of the Baker Merriwether Scholarship, the Donald O. Coffman award, the Inland Northwest Business Association Scholarship, and the Pride Foundation Community Grant. He appeared most recently in our Fall 2009 production of Hamlet as the titular Dane. Jeff says, “I love The University of Montana because I love the theatre and this is such a great place to do it. Going to school in my hometown has allowed me to pursue all of my other passions while earning a degree in one of the most beautiful settings in the country. I feel lucky to live here in Missoula and study under the great faculty here at UM ... plus my family gets to come and see every play I am in!”