Lawrence University Scholar Finds Passion in Theatre

Samantha Torres is a junior at Lawrence University pursuing a double major in psychology and theatre arts. She has been actively involved in the Theatre Arts Department at Lawrence, participating in numerous show productions. Her roles have included ensemble work, supporting roles, running crew, assistant stage managing and, most notably, playing Miranda in William Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

As one of a handful of people of color in her department, Samantha was motivated to co-found Lawrence Inclusive Theatre (LIT) to help bring diversity to the theatre department and to invite more people to participate in theatrical opportunities both on and off stage. In addition to holding audition workshops every term, the student group serves as a resource for those interested in tech work, backstage crew, wood shop work, and set building & design.

“Theatre has opened doors for me in ways I could not have imagined,” Samantha says.

“Theatre has opened doors for me in ways I could not have imagined.”

Her own experience with the lack of theatre in public schools now drives her to mentor teens, offering new artistic opportunities. This past summer, she worked at Breakthrough New York, a Posse Career Program partner, where she co-taught a class of more than 30 students and led a drama elective on improv.

Samantha studied abroad in London this past fall and secured an internship at the Camden People’s Theatre, a company that focuses on new playwrights and highlights social justice issues. Her time abroad was partially funded by a Henry Merritt Wriston Scholarship, which Samantha received in 2017. The scholarship recognizes students who excel academically and demonstrate a wide-range of interests.

Samantha aims to build on this range of creative experiences as she works to set future goals.

“My biggest pursuit in life is finding a career in which I can use theatre as a form of empowerment,” she says.