This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Madelyn Robinson is currently a 5th year senior here at UCSB and is majoring in Theater BFA with an emphasis in Acting. Originally from Dixon, CA, Madelyn came to UCSB to pursue an acting career and has made that happen with a BANG! Starring in various performances throughout her UCSB career, most recently in Naked Shakes’ production of Macbeth in which she starred as Lady Macbeth, Madelyn has sure made a name for herself (in lights!) on campus.
1. Why did you choose UCSB?
Honestly, I was so done with high school by the time it was college application time that I just wanted to get the hell out. Take me anywhere! I applied to a bunch of UCs in a desperate rage, but after I cooled my jets found that UCSB is the only one that offers a conservatory style acting program for undergraduates. The theater department here is beyond incredible. And I’ve always loved the ocean – the natural beauty was a huge draw too.
2. Why did you choose your major?
I’ve wanted to be onstage ever since I can remember. I came to UCSB mostly because of the acting program, but I had a really hard time socially and personally my freshman year and it sort of beat me down – by the time auditions came around I thought there was no way I had the chops to do well in the BFA, or even get in. So I noodled along with a Global Studies major, which was really fascinating, but at the end of the day just not my passion. I ended up switching majors a bunch of times and ultimately dropped out of school and worked at a (quite lovely) donut shop in my hometown for a little while. Waking up at 3:30 in the morning to serve the world breakfast sandwiches allowed a lot of time for self-examination, so at some point I talked myself into doing what I’d always wanted to do. Because… why wouldn’t I? I spent two years on plans B-Z, but here we are!
3. How did you become involved with Theater at UCSB and what would you recommend to those looking to become active?
I auditioned for the BFA in Fall 2011 and it has since consumed my entire life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. The theater department here is really a community, and it’s constantly growing and changing. My advice to anyone who wants to get involved in theater at UCSB is to dive on in – even if you’re just curious, take a class or audition! Auditions for the main stage shows as well as the student and grad directed one acts are open to everyone, not just theater majors. Directors love new faces, and you never know what buds-to-be you’ll meet just waiting for your audition time. And the the directing students are always looking for actors to be in their projects, which is a really laid back and personal rehearsal experience. Speaking of which, the intro level directing class offered in the fall is open to anyone, there are classes offered in costume, lighting and set design, and shows always need crew members backstage. There are ton of ways to get involved. The faculty and staff are also really wonderful resources if you have questions – they have such experience and insight and the warmest hearts you’ll find anywhere.
4. What do you hope to accomplish after graduating?
The big grown-up post-grad world is sneaking up on me, huh? I auditioned for graduate school MFA programs and I’m flying out to New York for callbacks, so we’ll see where that goes. Does putting that on the internet jinx it? I hope not. I’ve been dreaming of tidal waves and zombie attacks every night. Ideally, I’d love to pursue an MFA in acting, become a working actor, and ultimately be part of a theater company which produces new, original work and does community outreach.
5. What is it like working with UCSB professors during performances?
They work so hard as actors and really give all they have – getting to work so closely with faculty members has been a wonderful and instructive insight into the professional world. And honestly, they’re about the coolest folks around, so having a 25-hour per week rehearsal schedule is a great excuse to hang out. I don’t mean that anyone is sitting on their laurels, but life lessons have snuck their way into even quick, casual conversations in the wings. The comfort that comes from working together as peers leads to a close kind of mentor-student relationship that can really teach you a lot.
Madelyn as Lady Macbeth in a Fall 2013 performance.