Featuring: Lance Rasmussen (MFA acting student)

What are your favorite things about going to school in Baton Rouge?

I’m a huge fan of attending a school with such a rich cultural history. Louisiana State University is a landmark institution, and it has a nationwide reputation for a lot of reasons. Being able to be part of that is pretty amazing. They also have a very dedicated arts community here, which means they are very supportive of the theater that happens here. There’s so many things happening constantly within the city, and although my schedule is absolutely packed, I love the chance to get out and explore. And finally, the food here is amazing. Eat the local flavors (they don’t do the imports nearly as well) but the seafood, creole, and cajun are incredible.

What is your favorite production you have worked on so far?

We just finished up a very quick and dirty production of Julius Caesar, in which I played Brutus. It was a very contemporary take on the story, which I loved. Brutus has been a dream role of mine for a long time, and being able to step into that story, especially during the politically charged times we are in as both a nation and a world, was a very eye-opening experience. They’ve done Shakespeare here every summer for years, and it’s really been something I’ve enjoyed since being at LSU.

What made you want to attend LSU’s MFA program?

I was drawn to LSU’s program for a few reasons. The first was the faculty they had in place when I was applying. I personally felt that I needed to focus on movement training and singing in my master’s work, and I found faculty who have facilitated my learning in the exact ways I feel I needed. Beyond that, my acting classes and people I’ve worked with have really served me in my educational mindset. It’s a program that is absolutely willing to work with you and what you want to accomplish as long as you are putting in maximum effort at every moment. I was told that the program is built around students taking initiative and making the best of their time, and I wanted that chance to push myself. It’s definitely proven to be true. They also offer a very competitive assistantship program, which has allowed me to incur minimum costs while being here.

What is something unique about LSU’s acting program?

They don’t facilitate a showcase. Rather, every one of my shows I’ve been involved with has had a guest director (or a faculty member who works nationally as a guest director.) We have guest artists brought in to act with us on stage. They’re constantly bringing in workshops and professionals to work with us. Rather than a day trip to a major market I might not even want to live or work in, I’m working with professionals who are working all around the country, being able to show them more than just a few minutes of well rehearsed acting. I’d much rather work hands-on with someone, so I can demonstrate that I’m someone they enjoy being around and working with. It has given me a great chance to network.