Senior Spotlight: Nyssa Wagner

As the weather grows colder with each passing day, we are reminded that for some students it is their last fall season here at St. Ambrose University. Nyssa Wagner from Evergreen Park, Illinois, who in the time she spent here has lended her talent and hard work ethic to this school and its theatre program, is one of them.

Wagner was introduced to theatre at St. Ambrose right out of the gate her freshman year.

"I was asked to be the Assistant Stage Manager of the production of Tartuffe," Wagner said. "I loved this experience and it drove me to become even more involved with the program."

In addition to her participation in Tartuffe, she was also a work-study in the Galvin Fine Arts Center scene workshop for her first two years. Since those first experiences, Wagner has not halted in her pursuits whatsoever.

"I was a part of the show Dancing at Lughnasa as the character Rose, but unfortunately the show was unable to happen due to COVID," she said. "In my junior year I was part of a 10-minute directing class scene as well as a One Act in The Studio. Now, I am in my senior year and am one of the co-directors of the Theatre Appreciation Club!"

Alongside the many productions and extracurriculars Wagner is participating in, she is also currently earning a degree in Human Performance and Fitness and a minor in Psychology. Using the knowledge and skills she has gained here, she plans to go into St. Ambrose's Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program after she graduates.

When looking back on her years here at St Ambrose, Wagner has many fond memories both in theatre and in the classroom. "My favorite moments at St Ambrose include both of my Chicago trips with the Theatre Appreciation Club my freshman and sophomore years, the big event for Dance Marathon this past year, and the midnight breakfast in the cafeteria the week of finals my freshman year!"

Accompanying the fun and memorable moments throughout her college career, Wagner also offers some advice for younger students here at St. Ambrose University.

"Take your time and enjoy the ride," stressed Wagner. "Don't limit yourself from trying something on campus you may be interested in because of how others perceive it."

Nysaa Wagner has been a force to be reckoned with in her career at St. Ambrose thus far, and she has definitely made an impact on both the school and the stage. Audiences can now look forward to seeing Wagner onstage as Lilith in the school's production of She Kills Monsters this month. We wish her luck on her future passions and pursuits!