Full Name:
Melody Joy Herron
Major/Year:
B.A. in Theatre and Dance, Acting Focus/Senior
Favorite class in Theatre & Dance and why:
My favorite class is any class with Lucien Douglas, Scott Kanoff, or Joan Lazarus. Lucien's acting classes have taught me to be brave, to be vulnerable, and to trust my fellow actors. Scott has taught me to be specific, to articulate my thoughts more clearly (which can at times be surprisingly difficult), and to own the space I perform in. Creative Drama with Joan Lazarus might just take the cake though. Joan is the most gracious and encouraging person I have ever met. I learned more life skills in that classroom than I could have ever imagined. I recommend that class to anyone and everyone.
Favorite thing about Austin:
I love that Austin is so nurturing to the arts. Theatre, music, art, dance, photography, and more — Austin has them all!
Favorite place to study:
My favorite spot is definitely JP's JAVA. They have an amazing caramel latte, super comfy couches, the best study music, and a quiet atmosphere that helps me to focus and stay productive.
Brief biography (including projects, awards, accomplishments):
I was raised in Georgetown, Texas- just 30 miles north of Austin. From a young age I involved myself with acting at the local community theatre and through summer programs at Pensacola Christian College. I also studied voice for 5 years; during which time, I performed at many town events such as the Christmas Stroll and Fourth of July Festival. While attending the University of Texas, I have performed in Foot in the Door's adaption of Into the Woods, Jr., the Theatre and Dance Department's production of Our Town. The Phoenix Fringe's Our Thanksgiving Day Pageant, and I Heart M.O.M.'s production of Sweet Chariots.
Current projects/research/interests:
Currently, I am involved with AMTC, Inc.- a three-generation family business started in 1982 by industry icon, Millie Lewis. AMTC prepares artists of all kinds to enter the entertainment industry with as much skill and knowledge possible. I am also doing my own personal theatre history research on performance and politics and how they influence each other. Lastly, I'm continuing to chip away at my goal of reading all of the books on the TIME's list of the All Time 100 Novels, as well as all of the Newbery Award and Honor winning books from 1922 – Present. This is a rather difficult task, but The University of Texas has some amazing resources that make it easier to find certain of these books that would otherwise be impossible for me to obtain.
