Theatre
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Guest Artists

The Company We Keep

The Guest Artist program at Willamette Theatre sets our training apart from many colleges. Artist contributions are diverse: Directing, acting, design, playwriting, music composition, solo performance, and guest teaching and workshops. In addition to expanding students' experience and training, the Guest Artist program offers example and insight on future careers in the arts – a part of our committed liberal arts education.

See past guest artists here.

2023-24 Season

  • She/Her/Hers
    Director, In the Deep

    Carly Christensen

    Biography

    After graduating from Willamette in 2016, Carly Christensen successfully completed her Master of Fine Arts at Purdue University and ended up in North Carolina. She is grateful to return to Willamette to teach a half-semester course and direct In The Deep.

    Post-pandemic, Carly has been teaching aerial arts, producing aerial showcases, and continuing her education in intimacy choreography. After doing more theatre and experiencing more life post-undergrad, Carly has come to understand the importance of community and shared joy. She is looking forward to a journey back to WU Theatre, a place where community and joy flourish!

    Education

    • Master of Fine Arts in Acting, Purdue University
    • BA in Theatre, Willamette University

  • Music Director/Keyboard Conductor, In the Deep

    Devin Desmond

    Biography

    Music Director,In the Deep • Fall 2023

    Devin Desmond is a multi-instrumentalist in the Salem area with focuses in several areas of music. He is known for his work with the folk band Possibly Irish, as well as his work in musical theater as a pit musician and music director. He most recently music directed his original show Waiting which he wrote alongside his partner, Sarah.

    Devin can also be found giving private lessons across the Willamette Valley, and playing piano for choirs in the Salem-Keizer school district.

    Education

    • B.S. in Music from Corban University, double concentration in Composition and Percussion performance

  • Scenic Designer, In the Deep

    Janie Howland

    Biography

    Janie E. Howland (Scenic Designer) is a native of Boston and is very excited to collaborate with Willamette University on this world premiere! Recent designs include Operation Epsilon (Southwark Playhouse, UK); The Color Purple (Umbrella Stage); Rooted (Lyric Stage Company); Greater Boston New Works Festival (Moonbox); Urban Nutcracker (City Ballet of Boston); English (Speakeasy Stage); 3 Decembers (Berkshire Opera Festival); Paradise Blue (Gloucester Stage).

    Venues include NYC Dance Alliance, Lynn Redgrave Theatre (NY), InterAct Theatre (PA), Mass MOCA, New Rep,  Reagle Players, ASP, Odyssey Opera, Weston Playhouse (VT), Umbrella Stage, North Shore Music Theatre, Central Square Theatre, Ohio Star Theatre (OH), Company One, Merrimack Rep, Seacoast Rep, NJ Shakespeare Festival (NJ).

    Howland is an adjunct faculty member at Bridgewater State University, Emerson College, and Wellesley College. She founded the Prop Co-Op, a shared props storage warehouse that serves theatre organizations across New England.

    Howland is a proud member of IATSE / USA Local 829.

    Education

    • BA in Art History, University of Pennsylvania
    • MFA in Scenic Design and Painting, Brandeis University

    Awards

    • Four Elliot Norton Awards for outstanding scene design.
    • Four Independent Reviewers of New England Awards for outstanding scene design.