Senior Spotlight Ellie Larson

If you are a frequent visitor to the Galvin Fine Arts Center, you most likely have run into senior Ellie Larson.

Larson is a theatre major with minors in leadership and arts administration, as well as a distinction in honors research. She has played an essential role in both the Theatre and Music Departments here at St. Ambrose, and she has graced the stage numerous times during the past four years.

Larson is originally from Lisbon, Iowa, and despite the town being small in size, it is the place where she made her theatre debut at a young age.

"I started taking theatre classes around 5th grade," Larson said. "And ever since, I have loved staying involved."

Additionally, Larson wears many hats on and off the stage. Other than being a performer, she has tried her hand at directing and also worked in the costume shop during her freshman, sophomore, and junior years of college.

"I have many fond memories of working in the costume shop, " Larson said. " My favorite would have to be finding out that I had gotten my first professional theatre job and celebrating with Dianne[Dye] and Cory [Johnson]."

Though Larson would spend lots of time in the costume shop, her passion for performing grew during her tenure here. While looking back on all of her memories here at St. Ambrose, a smile was brought to Larson's face when she recalled her favorite memory.

"I think performing in the semi-finals of the Irene Ryan Acting Competition would have to be my favorite," Larson said. "I had so much fun performing with (junior) Joseph Lasher my sophomore year and then with Colin Evers (‘20) my junior year."

Larson has played an array of different roles throughout her college career. Some of her favorite, and most-rewarding roles at SAU were Claire Ganz in Rumors and Becca in Rabbit Hole. However, her all-time favorite role was when she played Babe in Crimes of the Heart at Festival Theatre in St. Croix Falls, WI.

Furthermore, some advice Larson would have for future theatre students would be to keep working hard.

"Your work doesn't go unnoticed and it will pay off in the long run," Larson said. "Theatre companies often look for well-rounded theatre artists, not just performers, and it is helpful to have a little background in all the disciplines, so learn all you can."

Most importantly, Larson would like to give a big thank you to the incredible theatre professors for their continual encouragement, wisdom, and tough love over the years.

"These people shaped me into who I am today and I am extremely grateful," Larson said. "I also want to give an extra thanks to Dianne Dye for welcoming me into the costume shop, always patiently investigating why my sewing machine jammed, and for giving me the best advice."

Larson's kindness, empathy, and infectious laugh will be missed by all in the years to come. However, no matter where Larson's journey takes her, everyone knows that her future is undoubtedly bright.