Student Profile: Deirdre Manning

Deirdre Manning has had two lead roles this year. She was last seen at Theatre UCF as Violet Hilton in Side Show and is currently the title character in Sarah Ruhl's Eurydice. Relating to this character was easy for her. Both Deirdre and Eurydice are young women who are trying to find themselves. 

Eurydice, directed by faculty member Julia Listengarten, is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. This show is very imaginative and unrealistic. As a result, the technical aspects of this production are very complex and cause some challenges in rehearsal for Deirdre. For example, it is difficult to rehearse on flat ground when the set will have many levels. 

Although the story is tragic, this cast and crew are incredibly goofy and rehearsals are always a lot of fun. Deirdre has too many funny stories to share. "My abs get a great workout in rehearsal from all the laughing." 

Deirdre is originally from Boston and is a Junior in the BFA Musical Theatre program. On top of rehearsals and classes, she works as an Office Assistant for the UCF Department of Residence Life. She is also in the Burnett Honors College and has a minor in Environmental Science. After graduation, Deirdre plans to move to New York and work professionally as an actor.

By: Elle Sullivan