Building Connections Through the Arts

Susan Falk ’21 grew up performing. Raised in Milwaukee by two court lawyers she describes as “very theatrical,” she routinely attended theater productions and caught the performing bug. “I liked making people laugh, putting on pretty costumes, and singing. As time went on, performing became less about hearing applause and more about the importance of storytelling and creating community,” she explained.

As the engagement coordinator at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the Theatre Arts grad creates programming to engage the community through pre- and post-show events, interactive panels, and hosting a Dinner Dialogue series where guests—many perfect strangers—share a meal and discuss the performances.

“I am in a position where I can bring people who normally wouldn’t have an opportunity to enjoy theater into our theater spaces,” Falk said. “I get to help create connections and community.”

As a student, she was challenged by her professors. During Dan Matisa’s acting class, she was called out for not making sustained eye contact with her scene partner, thus not having a connection with him—a fatal flaw for an actor. “I was devastated by his feedback, but from that day on, it was my mission to prove him wrong,” Falk explained.

When Matisa cast her in Sense and Sensibility as the main character, Elinor Dashwood, she learned to be fully engaged for almost two straight hours while on stage. “He pushed me until it finally clicked, and it helped me become an active listener,” Falk said. “That skill has transformed how I interact with people.”

She also credits her involvement in student clubs like the improv troupe BBQ Kitten and the Ministry of Experimental Theatre with helping her solve problems and communicate effectively. “Those experiences gave me crucial skills that I use on a daily basis.”

In addition to Falk’s work at the Milwaukee Rep, she tends to her more creative side working with Lake Country Playhouse and Academy (LCP) in Hartland, Wis., as a teaching artist, director, and designer. She has costumed over a dozen shows the past three years, and she will be directing a youth production of Sense and Sensibility—a full-circle moment. 

“I get to pass on my knowledge to kids who are just starting out, and I get to build and create, which I love doing,” Falk explained. “Bradley really helped prepare me for LCP, because they required us to go outside of our concentration, so I learned how to direct, build sets, and design and create costumes.” 

“I have so many fond memories of Bradley that I will take with me for the rest of my life. The things that I learned have shaped me into the person I am today, and I am thankful for my professors—especially the ones that really pushed me to meet my potential.”  

—Emily Potts