An Interview with Susan Lauritsen
An Interview with Susan Lauritsen What experiences in speech and theatre did you have in high school? From my sophomore year on, I was in large and small theatre groups. My high schools always premiered musicals, and I even starred in a few productions.
What roles did you have? I acted in Little Abner, and Oliver as the undertaker's wife. I also participated in Large Group Speech Contests. My theatre coach was amazing, she made speech exciting, and pulled the best out of me. Regardless of stereotype, everyone was involved in theatre.
Where did you attend college? Were you involved in the theatre department there? Northwest Missouri State University. I was in the theatre program, and everyone involved had to audition, regardless of talent.
What is your favorite aspect of teaching high school?
The best part is that I get to watch my students grow and mature. Plus, high schoolers don’t need help using the restroom.
During the last two years you have coached individual speech contest students. What is it about speech contests to like so much? What benefits students involved in speech/theatre related activities? I love individual speech, because it allows kids to have their own moment to shine. I love being able to push kids to their full potential. Speech helps the kids develop the ability to speak in front of large crowds.
You decided to make a change this year, and teach theatre/speech classes. What motivated you to make that change and step into the theatre program at CHS? I decided to change because I wanted to seize my opportunity to change. I wanted to follow in Mr. Balster’s footsteps.
What goals do you have as you look to the future of Cardinal Theatre—in the classroom, on stage, and in Iowa High School Speech Association Large Group and Individual Speech contests? My goal is to maintain Mr. Balster’s high standards, and to keep kids joining.
For students, what is the most important benefit of being a part of speech and drama? Theatre lets you be a part of something, even if you’re not on stage.