As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A mermaid.
What major[s]/minor[s] did you graduate with?
BFA in Theatre with an Acting emphasis
Where do you live these days?
Minneapolis!
Where do you work? What kind of work do you do?
I am incredibly fortunate to work as an actor on the nationally broadcast radio program, "A Prairie Home Companion" hosted by Chris Thile. I also have been a lucky duck to do some fun shows at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters.
How are you involved with the arts in your current community?
I love seeing shows, and supporting friends in their artistic, theatrical and musical endeavors! I have done a few workshops with Hennepin Theatre Trust; working with high school theatre kids is always inspiring and invigorating. They rock.
What was your favorite class or project in college?
Making a shirt. Just kidding, my shirt was terrible (granted I DID choose a lime green fabric--why, you ask? I'll never be able to answer that question.)
I always looked forward to Acting class (Oh, how I miss that!) and any chance I got to work on a show was a treat.
How did SFA professors influence you?
In so many ways! Each professor taught me something special; the combination of different teaching styles and experiences they brought culminated in learning to trust (not just others, but myself), thinking outside of the box, looking at the world with curiosity and wonder, and the joy of collaboration.
What advice would you give to a incoming theatre student?
Hmm. If you feel like you aren't sure...of anything, be it your class load, the answer to question 43 on a History test, your major in general, whether or not to finish that paper tonight or tomorrow...take a deep breath and TRUST. Trust that it will all unfold in the way it will, and enjoy the journey best you can.
Also, don't save your stage crew practicum until senior year. :-)
What was your favorite local Duluth hangout in college?
Sir Ben's! Go get some free popcorn and enjoy open mic night and/or karaoke.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you since graduating from UMD SFA?
Just one thing?! Well, this is cheesy--my closest friends are my biggest inspiration. We're all so alike in many ways, and seeing how friends have handled the ups and downs of this life/career is a constant inspiration to just...keep...going.
What was your biggest takeaway from UMD SFA?
I took away that being kind will always be the best thing you can do for your happiness, your career, your friends and the world.
How did you make the decision to attend UMD for school?
I transferred from another school because I knew the quality of UMD's productions and the competitive nature of the program was exactly what I was looking for. (Spoiler alert: It was a good choice.)
www.startribune.com/prairie-home-millennial-meet-serena-brook