Actor

Hannah SchuermanActor

Seattle

Theater: Performance emphasis major 2015

As someone pursuing a theatre career in Seattle, Schuerman says it takes many jobs and many supportive people to make it work. She has been lucky in finding amazing people to work for who are 100 percent on board with helping her pursue what she loves, as well as providing incredible environments for her to work in. She currently works at a coffee shop, nannies, and teaches musical theatre classes on occasion to kids at Village Theatre KIDSTAGE, the program she grew up in. She has also interned at the 5th Avenue Theatre in “The Sound of Music” and says she is excited to be working with them again in their upcoming season.

How does your time at SPU connect to the work you’re doing today?

I went to SPU because I wanted to stay connected in the Seattle theatre community, as well as to learn how my faith and my art worked together. Both of those things happened, which has served me well. While at SPU, I did a lot of exploring how reconciliation and theatre can work together. Now that I’ve graduated, I am looking into getting my master’s in drama therapy at some point.

Who made a difference in your SPU education?

Assistant Professor of Theatre Candace Vance was an incredible influence during my time at SPU. She was a mentor and a friend to me, and still is. Candace is extremely connected in the Seattle theatre community, and so her practical advice was so valuable to me as I went out into the land of auditioning. She prepared me so well, and was there all along the way answer my questions, cheer me on, and to comfort me in the moments where things didn’t go so well. She is one of the first people I call when I get a job. I am forever grateful for her.

What advice do you have for students about life after graduation?

Take a breath. Don’t rush. Follow what you love, what makes your heart skip a beat, and it will lead somewhere good. I am also a huge believer in living into whatever phase of life you’re in. I’m enjoying being 23, and all the crazy, beautiful, and unsure things that come along with that. I don’t have it all figured out, and that’s exactly where I’m supposed to be right now.

 

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