The arts program at Denison covers a wide range of disciplines, which means there is a wide range of people doing a myriad of artistic activities. Sarah Wuellner ‘24 is a triple major in theatre, education, and journalism. Read the following Q&A to learn more about Sarah’s involvement on campus both in and outside of the arts, how she balances her busy schedule and some of her favorite memories from art classes.
What are your major(s) and what drew you to them?
I am a Theatre, Education, and Journalism triple major. Throughout high school, I always knew I wanted to be a theatre major, as it has been a passion of mine since my first play (Alice in Wonderland, when I was about five years old). During high school, I attended the local college through the College Credit Plus (CCP) Program, where I received my associate of Arts & Sciences with a concentration in theatre. This made it obvious to me that I should continue my theatre education during my undergrad, as it would go by quickly. This also enabled me to take on the triple major. I have always been interested in education as a major as many of my family members are elementary teachers, and I have the same drive for making schools a better place. I just tacked on Journalism last semester after all of the controversy over the news. I decided that I want to make the future news be portrayed in a better light and the idea of acting kind of relates to news reporting. Another push toward journalism was my love for interviewing and the need to travel.
Can you tell us about a favorite class or professor in the arts departments?
A favorite class of mine in theatre at Denison would be the one I am in right now, THTR 100: Introduction to Theatre Making. This course has allowed me to explore theatre on a more meaningful level by interacting with it in different ways. We took a trip to the Columbus Museum of Art and then were tasked with creating a performance piece from our interaction with the exhibit, which is something I have never done. The conversations we have had from various texts are vastly different from what I have been exposed to. Not to mention, I have met so many students that are involved with theatre in different capacities, and others who have maybe never seen a show.
What is one of your favorite memories relating to the arts at Denison?
A favorite memory within the arts at Denison would be my first Sketch’rs Comedy Troupe performance. When I auditioned for Sketch’rs I was so nervous and did not know if I would get in, but the audition process was such a fun experience where I was able to goof off and show my true self. Our first show, First Drafts Final Drafts, was the night of my graduation from community college for my associate. In Sketch’rs we are known for waiting till the last minute to memorize, which, in fact, is the stressful route I like to take for most shows. On my two-hour drive to and from graduation, I was listening to my lines on repeat as if they were the latest and greatest song. I then arrived at the show just in time, and I luckily did not mess up a single line! The show was so fun to be a part of, and I absolutely loved seeing my sketch “The Bar is on the Floor.”
What is your experience with the arts outside of Denison’s classroom?
I have been a part of the arts world since I was very young—attending operas The Nutcracker Ballet, Shakespeare in the Park and more with my family. I have performed in a variety of plays and musicals at the Paxton Theatre, Southern State Community College, and Wilmington College. I played a lead role in all four of my high school musicals. I started to really take part in my acting journey in 5th and 6th grade through dramatic straight plays which are still my favorite to perform. I have performed in about twenty-five shows.
