Full Name:
Liann Alise Herder
Major/Year:
B.A. in Theatre and Dance
Favorite class in Theatre & Dance and why:
I have so many favorites, it's impossible to choose one. The truth is there are so many professors here who are dedicated to their students and their success, who are willing to challenge us and help us grow. I have to say my favorite classes include Languages of the Stage and History of the American Musical with Stacy Wolf, Playwriting I with Priscilla Sample, and, of course, all my acting classes–I've had a range of professors, and have learned new things from each one of them.
Favorite thing about Austin:
You're always close to something entertaining, whether that's going to the movies or hiking. And the land is just beautiful around here–driving 2222 and seeing the carved hills is extraordinary.
Also – fabulous concert opportunities.
Favorite place to study:
My apartment – although when I find that too distracting, I love to go sit outside the HRC on a sunny day. The PCL is also a very good studying hide–away, but I find that the silence there sometimes presses on my ears…It's almost too quiet.
Brief biography (including projects, awards, accomplishments):
I grew up in a small town south of Houston, and I knew that I wanted to act from the moment I stepped on a stage. When I hit the Austin scene in 2005, I auditioned on a whim for A Midsummer Night's Dream and got the part of Puck! It was such a great experience, not just for my acting but socially–so many of my friends came from the group that produced it, The Round About Players. Theatre groups outside the department are blessings–I am now helping to run said group. Last semester I wrote and directed a play, which we produced along with three other student–written and produced productions. But I'm also involved in other aspects of theatre at UT–I've done a main stage show, Slaughter City, and I'm now in an all–French production Personne Me Regarde Dans La Rue.
Current projects/research/interests:
Aside from the French project, I'm chugging my way down the path to graduation. Frightening as that is, I'm excited! I'm now looking to expand my range and move into film productions, and also to film the comedy routines produced by my company.
