Q&A with Audrey Owen

What brought you to Boston Conservatory's contemporary theater program?

I’ve known for years that I wanted to attend a performing arts university after graduating high school, but all I knew was that I wanted to be an actor. I loved the idea of a conservatory program, and Boston Conservatory is one of the top conservatories in the U.S. As soon as I discovered they had an acting program, I applied. It really wasn’t until I did some research and auditioned that I knew contemporary theater was the kind of program I wanted. And boy, am I glad I found it.

What's the most interesting thing you've done or learned so far this year?

Definitely our four-hour Ensemble Performance Lab every Friday. Every couple of weeks, a new teacher comes in with their own unique background, whether it be in acting, theater production, contemporary theater, vocal performance, or movement. In each session, we learn something completely new and amazing, and we work together to discover how to create in new and innovative ways. Not only is it beautiful work, but it is so much fun.

What are your goals for the future?

My goal is to be a working actor, primarily in theater. But hey, if anything came up for me on screen I certainly wouldn't complain. Honestly, I just want to be able to survive doing what I love, and that is performing.

What do you love most about Boston Conservatory?

I love a lot of things about Boston Conservatory. First of all, it is a beautiful school in a beautiful city. The environment is so enriching, and I am inspired by my peers every day. I love meeting so many talented people and getting the chance to see them perform, whether it be in music, dance, or theater. The faculty is amazing, also, and it’s an honor to be their student. It’s pretty much the coolest place ever, so I'd say that I love the Conservatory a lot.

What's one other thing you'd like to tell us?

As someone who was not initially looking for a contemporary theater program, I can tell you that I ended up here for one reason—and that is Wanda Strukus (director of the B.F.A. in theater: contemporary theater program). After talking to Wanda, I realized this is exactly where I want to be. We learn traditional acting techniques, but we also learn about new and innovative processes that strengthen my acting daily. I’m not only learning through outstanding methods how to be a better actor, but I’m learning how to survive in the theater world, and that is so vital. We are creating beautiful things here in the contemporary theater program, and I would not trade that for the world.