USF CVPA School of Theatre & Dance

Lea Umberger | Graduate Student of Design for Stage & Film, Tisch School of the Arts, NYU

"I think that getting a chance to work on a Shakespeare play is a hard thing for an undergraduate program to accomplish and do it well. Also, Shakespeare is something that young designers and actors do not get a chance to do, because it is so big, or because a school thinks it is too much to handle."

Brian Gleason | Student

"One of the greatest lessons I've learned from the program is to consciously care about your fellow actor. With Ian (Ian Talbot) I learned that not taking a chance could be the biggest risk of all and with Philip I learned to care about my fellow actors" - Brian Gleason

Kurt Smith | Student

"The experiences that I have had within this department have been productive for my growth as a theatre artist and I am glad that USF is able to provide such top-notch programs and training to its students!"

Linda Fessenden | Student

"When Maria (Maria Aitken) spoke, everyone listened, and pens and pencils were moving a mile a minute. Not only did we take down almost everything she said, but we put most of it into action. We would watch a scene performed, improve upon it, and then another pair would get up and build on that. It was amazing work."

Matt Butler | Student

"My experience at this school has been one of exciting new experience after exciting new experience and TheatreUSF's BRIT Program is no exception. Never have I been exposed to such a variety of professionals as I have this semester. I think many graduate programs would find it tough to boast that they could offer the very same experience!"

Damian Christopher Ladd | Student

"I had never been in a play before and was so scared that I didn't belong with the rest of the more experienced actors. Ian (Ian Talbot) looked at me and told me in front of the class that every actor at some point in their career fears the exact same thing; but once you realize that you can act the possibilities seem endless. These comments will stay in my mind and heart for the rest of my life."

Kyle Kensrue | Student

"I consider myself fortunate to have been part of a program that gathers so many wonderfully talented artists together to teach such a small group of students. Everything learned this year from this class, I will carry with me and one day use each bit of knowledge again."

	Student Testimonials "Whether they compete with the nation's finest young talents to earn places in prestigious graduate training programs, or decide to go directly into the profession after college, students unanimously stress the significance of The BRIT Program in their education."
	Jeff Ashley (left) and Ted Corwin (right) in the BRIT Program production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, 1998. The BRIT Program's 1994 production Jason Hedden in BRIT Program production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, 1998. Kim Dilts (Center) in The BRIT Program's 2000 production of Farquhar's The Beaux' Strategem.		Jeff Ashley \| Actor, London "Through the BRIT program I was able to learn and grow as a performer. I found myself taking risks and using techniques unknown to me before. Those experiences have stayed with me and play a part in every endeavor I undertake." Kim Dilts \| Graduate Acting Student, University of Texas, Austin "The BRIT program, I'm finding, is unique in the U.S. — rarely do undergraduate students get to work with guest artists of that caliber. I had an incredibly rich experience in a professional setting, with artists who have proven to be valuable contacts for me in my career." Jason Hedden \| Actor, Seattle "The BRIT Program was one of the things that drew me to USF and ended up being one of the best parts of TheatreUSF. People are still impressed with the caliber of artist I worked with in an undergraduate program." Brian Shea \| Local Actor "I was part of the charter BRIT Program. TheatreUSF and The BRIT Program says to students, "This is the world of theatre (which is a reflection of the world itself), past, present, and future. Learn what you can from this and discover how you can help yourself find your own path to your greatest potential." Lea Umberger \| Graduate Student of Design for Stage & Film, Tisch School of the Arts, NYU "I think that getting a chance to work on a Shakespeare play is a hard thing for an undergraduate program to accomplish and do it well. Also, Shakespeare is something that young designers and actors do not get a chance to do, because it is so big, or because a school thinks it is too much to handle." Brian Gleason \| Student "One of the greatest lessons I've learned from the program is to consciously care about your fellow actor. With Ian (Ian Talbot) I learned that not taking a chance could be the biggest risk of all and with Philip I learned to care about my fellow actors" - Brian Gleason Kurt Smith \| Student "The experiences that I have had within this department have been productive for my growth as a theatre artist and I am glad that USF is able to provide such top-notch programs and training to its students!" Linda Fessenden \| Student "When Maria (Maria Aitken) spoke, everyone listened, and pens and pencils were moving a mile a minute. Not only did we take down almost everything she said, but we put most of it into action. We would watch a scene performed, improve upon it, and then another pair would get up and build on that. It was amazing work." Matt Butler \| Student "My experience at this school has been one of exciting new experience after exciting new experience and TheatreUSF's BRIT Program is no exception. Never have I been exposed to such a variety of professionals as I have this semester. I think many graduate programs would find it tough to boast that they could offer the very same experience!" Damian Christopher Ladd \| Student "I had never been in a play before and was so scared that I didn't belong with the rest of the more experienced actors. Ian (Ian Talbot) looked at me and told me in front of the class that every actor at some point in their career fears the exact same thing; but once you realize that you can act the possibilities seem endless. These comments will stay in my mind and heart for the rest of my life." Kyle Kensrue \| Student "I consider myself fortunate to have been part of a program that gathers so many wonderfully talented artists together to teach such a small group of students. Everything learned this year from this class, I will carry with me and one day use each bit of knowledge again."