Marika Engelhardt Area of Study: Acting (MFA)

I chose to attend The Theatre School at DePaul University because… Because they have an excellent faculty and eclectic, comprehensive range of methods of teaching Acting. Plus Chicago is a great city..Cool Architecture, deep dish Pizza, friendly neighborhoods.

I chose my major because… I have always loved theatre, and this degree would allow me to teach at a university - which I might like to do down the road. I like to play and work with other people, and that's what theatre is all about.

A faculty or staff member that has greatly influenced me is… It's hard to choose one, but my first acting teacher at DePaul, Dexter Bullard has influenced me. I learned so much from him about craft, about myself, and about the possibilities that exist in ... everything.

Something that surprised me about my experience or curriculum here is… The emphasis on movement. I have taken Yoga, Tai Chi, Movement to Music. It's incredibly physical. Even more surprising is that I have learned to love it.

One thing that I’d like to say to students considering attending The Theatre School, or my peers in the industry, is…… You won't be the same person when you graduate. In a good way, I promise!

My future goals include… making a living acting, teaching, travelling as much as I possibly can, and mastering French cooking.