Full Name:
Megan Louise McQuaid
Major/Year:
Theatre/First Year
Favorite class in Theatre & Dance and why:
I love my acting class. Fran Dorn challenges us so much, and I have really acquired a better perspective of the world around me. The class enables me to see why theatre is important to the world and has taught me a lot about human nature and myself.
Favorite thing about Austin:
Austin has SO many opportunities for artists of any variety-actors, musicians, visual artists, theatrical designers, etc. I love the fact that I could see a play pretty much every night of the week. I am awed by how Austin so values the beauty to be found in art. Living here has been a great experience. Since I am a theatre major, knowledge about all kinds of art is part of my education, and Austin caters to that very nicely.
Favorite place to study:
The fifth floor of the Fine Arts Library — it is always really quiet and has a beautiful view!
Brief biography (including projects, awards, accomplishments):
I was in seven different plays and musicals in high school including lead roles in The Pajama Game, Li'l Abner, The Bourgeouis Gentleman, and The Marriage of Bette and Boo. For the latter play and also for The American Clock, I received UIL One-Act Play All-Star Cast honors. I was named Outstanding Theatre Student by the Fine Arts Department at my high school, and also voted Most Talented Performing Arts student by my fellow seniors. I was in the top 10% of my graduating class, received National Merit Commended Honors for my accomplishments on the SAT, and was named a Globe and Texas Scholar at my high school. I received scholarships from Our Lady's Guild, the Knights of Columbus, Artsview Children's Theatre, and the Pam Mercer-McWilliams Theatre Scholarship Fund.
Current projects/research/interests:
I am currently exploring adding a double-focus to incorporate playwriting into my areas of study. One project that I am beginning to work on is writing a play or series of related monologues with themes of light and darkness, both physical and spiritual. What are the properties of light? How does one find his or her way out of darkness?
