The St. Ambrose University Theatre Department is preparing for its first show of the 2021-22 season, The Lesson. It is a comedic, yet off-putting play by Eugene Ionesco. This is the first time that the studio theatre has had no social distancing implemented since 2019. Though the actors and audience members are required to continue wearing masks. Get to know the three SAU students that are starring in this production.

Quinnie Rodman as The Maid.

What year are you in school? 

 “Junior”

Where are you from?

“Mount Vernon, Iowa.”

What role do you play in the show?

“The Maid.”

What do you enjoy most about being a part of this show?

 “I just love being on stage performing live again,” Rodman said. “It is so much fun just to be there in person with everyone and to create a show that people will actually come to see live.”

Favorite SAU theatre memory?

“My favorite SAU theatre memory was getting to be in the children’s show The Little Prince,” Rodman said. “The kids were such an awesome audience to perform for and the show was so fun and sentimental.”

Nikki Dewitt as The Pupil.

What year are you in school? 

 “5th Year”

Where are you from?

“Bridgeport, WV.”

What role do you play in the show?

“The Pupil.”

What do you enjoy most about being a part of this show?

 “I would have to say the comradery between the cast and crew members. We are able to have fun and trust one another to try new things and make bigger and bolder choices,” DeWitt said. “This has allowed all of us to become closer friends throughout the process.”

Favorite SAU theatre memory?

“It’s so hard to pick only one memory of SAU theatre as a favorite. So many amazing moments have happened in the department that many of them are held close to my heart. If I had to pick just one, however, it would be during the production of The Little Prince. For the children’s shows, we invite several schools to come and watch, and just looking around the auditorium and seeing 1,500 kids who are all excited to see the work you’ve done is something you can never fully explain. And when the lights finally go down, and the kids cheer, the sound is one of the happiest sounds in the world, and even when you’re exhausted, that sound gives you the best energy you will ever know.”

David Weaver as The Professor.

What year are you in school? 

 “Junior”

Where are you from?

“Marion, IA.”

What role do you play in the show?

“The Professor.”

What do you enjoy most about being a part of this show?

 “My favorite part of this show is the fact that this character is exactly my forte. I’ve never played anyone like the Professor before and I’m excited,” Weaver said. “This is also the biggest role I’ve ever had in a production, so once again, excited to prove myself.”

Favorite SAU theatre memory?

“My favorite SAU theatre memory is probably performing The Little Prince at KCATCF,” Weaver said. “It was a huge honor to have our show selected to perform.”