Featuring: Ambre Shoneff (MFA Acting Student)

What drew you to Ohio State’s MFA program?

The program is unique in that it’s an acting MFA that is geared toward actor-creators. The emphasis on teaching, outreach, and helping artists to say what they want to say in the world was a great fit for me. I was also drawn to the many partnerships and opportunities afforded by attending such a large and prestigious university. During my first year and a half here I have studied with the Royal Shakespeare Company both in Stratford and Columbus, and studied performance and culture in Havana, Cuba.

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

Last semester I was privileged to play Mary Lamb in an adaptation of Dorothy Parker’s The Coast of Illyria, a beautiful, though heart-wrenching telling of the lives of 18th century British writers Charles and Mary Lamb. Though Charles Lamb is still known and celebrated by writers and scholars today, Mary is most often seen as a literary footnote, in relation to her brother, highlighting her mental illness rather than her artistic and intellectual life. I loved playing Mary because of her humanity, her struggle, her love and support of her brother, and her emotional range.

What are your favorite parts of Ohio State’s campus life? What recreational activities do you take part in?

With nearly 60,000 students and 1,200 clubs on campus, there is ALWAYS something happening at OSU! Football is probably the largest draw, and Buckeye games are really exciting. Concerts and plays tour through campus every weekend, and I really enjoy spending my dinner break outside on the grass, and listening to the marching band practice.