By Sofie Schachter
Libby LaDue graduated in 2022 with a double major in theatre and drama and communication arts. She now works in Chicago for a nonprofit, and continues to be involved in the world of theatre.
Below is a Q&A with LaDue about her experience in the School of Education’s Department of Theatre and Drama, as well as her current endeavors.
Where are you from, and what brought you to UW–Madison? I grew up in a very small Wisconsin town called Winneconne. Throughout high school, I always knew I wanted to be a Badger — just as my whole family was — so UW was one of only two schools I applied to.
How did you choose your majors? I was initially undecided, but spent my entire freshman year doing theatre productions with the university and InterMission Theatre — and I thought, why not? Theatre has always been my first love, so I decided I should officially study it. I also chose communications because it followed a similar interest path for me, where I could focus on radio, TV, and film.
What was your most meaningful experience with the Department of Theatre and Drama? There are too many to name, but I would say my most meaningful experience was studying theatre virtually during the pandemic. I know this sounds odd, but I learned so much about myself — as both an artist and a person — during that time, that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. It was a very difficult educational environment much of the time, especially for theatre studies, but I was able to see first-hand that theatre can exist in whatever form it needs to at any given time — and even thrive!
If you were involved in any productions at UW–Madison, what was your favorite production, and why? My favorite production at UW–Madison was “Gruesome Playground Injuries” with InterMission Theatre. It was the last show I did in college and I was lucky enough to do it with two of my very best friends — Ryan Siddell, who played across from me, and Joe Green, who directed the show. It was a very challenging two-person show, but so rewarding. It was such a blessing to end my college acting career the same way I began it: with a student-led production.
How did the UW–Madison Department of Theatre and Drama influence where you are today? Without a doubt, my time in the Department of Theatre and Drama is the reason I’m where I am today. I am put into situations almost daily that bring me back to something I learned while in the department. Whether it’s Jim Stauffer’s lessons on personal branding, or Mark H.’s tips on script analysis, I am constantly circling back to the classroom where I learned so many helpful things I am still using today.
Additionally, because of help from the legendary Baron Kelly, I was able to land an internship with Forward Theater Company (FTC) my junior and senior years, which is where I got into development work. My experience at FTC has helped shape my career in so many ways — from nonprofit work to theatre work — and I am so grateful for that experience.
What advice would you give to future graduates of the Department of Theatre and Drama? In high school and college you’re often told that you cannot pursue a career in the arts while working a normal day job. I am here to tell you first-hand that you absolutely can. You can easily have one foot in the arts while having another in a “normal” job. I know so many artists who do both and are fulfilled both artistically and, to be blunt, financially. Don’t be afraid to do what works for you, especially when you are just beginning your career.
What are you up to now? I work in development at a nonprofit performing and visual arts high school in downtown Chicago while pursuing acting outside of work. I was recently promoted to a senior-level position and signed with a talent agency, which was very gratifying. I am thoroughly enjoying both my “normal” day job and my career in the arts, and I am so grateful that I can do both!
What do you enjoy most about your job? I love that I am constantly surrounded by the arts. Whether it’s at my 9 to 5, or after work in rehearsals, my days are surrounded by talented and inspiring artists at all different levels.
What do you hope to see yourself doing in the near future? I hope to continue making advances in both of my jobs. I feel so grateful that I can pursue both of my passions — acting and nonprofit work — and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
What is your overall favorite project you’ve been involved in? It’s really hard to pick an absolute favorite, but one that is up there for me is “The Wolves” with director Audrey Standish. This was the last production University Theatre did before the pandemic hit (that they relaunched last year!) and it was a really, really fun production. It was also an all-female show about a high school soccer team. I vividly remember our final rehearsal — right before we all went online for classes — and just our families were invited to watch. When the unofficial ‘first and last’ performance ended, we were all simultaneously sad about the show ending before it even began, and the uncertainty about what was to come. I will forever remember that experience!