First Year Focus: Cora Schultz

This month's First-Year Focus is Cora Schultz, who is no stranger to the stage. Schultz of Streator, Illinois, has been performing at her hometown theater, grade school, and high school since the age of 8.

Schultz is currently a first-year Early Childhood Education major, with minors in Music and Spanish. She was drawn to St. Ambrose University, because she would like to become a Speech Pathologist post-graduation, and she knew SAU has an excellent program.

While she had many to choose from, her favorite theatre-related memory was playing Kasha in A Night in the Ukraine by the Marx Brothers, a show that also happens to be her favorite! In talking with Schultz, she said the cast of that show was amazing, and it was a wonderful experience. Other roles Schultz has portrayed includes the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz and Young Eponine in the musical, Les Miserables.

Aside from theatre, Schultz has many fun hobbies that bring her joy. Of her hobbies though, her favorites are drawing and doing anything creative. It seems that she does not come by the skills out of chance however, as she has family members involved in and dedicated to the craft as well.

"My biggest inspiration is my dad," Schultz said, "He is so multi-talented. He can build and design sets, act on stage, and teach people how to do something without realizing they are even being taught."

While creativity makes her heart sing, Schultz also has a deep love for animals! Her family has 2 big dogs, 2 little dogs, as well as a talking bird who she tells us is "very sarcastic and mean."

This year at SAU, Schultz participated in the Fresh Face Revue, and is currently a puppeteer for the upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Daniel Rairdin-Hale ‘04. Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, Schultz is still enjoying her time at St. Ambrose and is looking forward to being more involved in the Theatre Department as she continues her journey. The department is so lucky to have her here!