Lane Breimhorst

“I want to be a music theatre performer and ASL interpreter for the theatre. I also want to do deaf theatre wherever I end up.”

“Carthage faculty have given me a newfound confidence in my performance skills that I didn’t think I could have. It was stressful transitioning from high school theatre to college, but I’ve grown and learned so much in my time with my theatre, music, and voice professors. It is truly a fantastic experience to love performing and to love what you study so much. Thanks to John Maclay and Herschel Kruger for helping me learn acting skills, I was able to start auditioning professionally. Lorian Schwaber has also been an incredible voice teacher who gives me confidence and singing skills.”

“My favorite class is Music Theatre History with Matthew Hougland. I have learned so much about the history and origins of theatre and how it has evolved. I’ve also learned about where theatre might go in the future which is really interesting!”

“I have done a few music theatre workshops, including ‘Songs for a New World’ and ‘You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.’ I am also in the New Play Initiative production of ‘Patience and Fortitude’ (Oro) by Arlene Hutton. I have also spent time volunteering around campus for the Theatre Department and even participated in disaster drill training for the Nursing Department.”

“The most challenging class for me was Music Theory. It was tricky since I didn’t have any experience with it before coming to Carthage. If it wasn’t for my peers and Professor Mark Petering, I don’t think I could’ve passed!”

“I am currently a Web Communications Intern in the Marketing & Communications Office.”

“At Carthage, I’ve gotten the chance to work with professionals in theatre through my theatre classes, The New Play Initiative, and Music Theatre Workshops. I got the opportunity to audition for Hope Summer Repertory Theatre through my one of professors.”

“I received the highest honors academic scholarship for my work in high school.”

“My favorite memory at Carthage is the ‘Our Time’ Cabaret for music theatre workshop my sophomore year. I loved working with Deonte Warren, and I grew so much as a performer. I also have so many great memories of Martin McClendon and Kim Instenes in my Play Production classes.”

“My favorite place on campus is the Wartburg Theatre, where there is a multitude of performances year-round.”

“What surprised me most was how much talent we have in our department. There are so many talented performers in all aspects of theatre, and watching my peers on stage brings me so much joy. Even though theatre is a competitive field, we all want our classmates to succeed. That fosters an environment of support unlike any other I’ve experienced.”

“My 8-year-old self would be happy to see me onstage telling my story genuinely and authentically. I think he’d also be a little confused that I’m not in pre-med!”

“Music theatre and theatre, in general, is a place for everyone to tell their stories, on and offstage. Whether you’re working lights, directing, designing costumes, building the set, acting, or choreographing, there’s a place for everyone to have a say. My advice to anyone coming into music theatre at Carthage is to be ready and excited to learn about all aspects of theatre, not just your original focus. You might find a new passion you had no idea you’d have!”

“Carthage is the perfect location for theatre students looking to get a start in the Midwest. Being right in the middle of Milwaukee and Chicago, you can find places to perform and professionals with whom to connect. We’re also not far from Minneapolis, where there’s another multitude of companies. At Carthage, the professors are all invested in our education and who we are as people. They want to see us grow and succeed in ways that are individualized and unique. Since the department isn’t too large, the professors know students by name, making us feel connected to the department.”