Karianne Nelson: Center Stage, Dressed in a Hospital Gown

From analyzing personality disorders to standing in the spotlight, Theater Major, Karianne Nelson, discovered her new passion after her first theater performance in fall 2011.

“I’m a regular person just going after what I love,” the sophomore said. “Hopefully it leads somewhere and if not, that’s fine.”

The former psychology major auditioned for “Some Assembly Required,” and landed a starring role as Stacy, the middle daughter of a dysfunctional family. “When I got the part, I had to ask Rae Robison if she was sure she wanted me for the that role,” Nelson said.

Although Nelson had never performed on stage before, her interest in the theater was always present, but due to a busy schedule in high school, she never pursued it. When she heard of the open auditions for the play, she decided it was her turn in the spotlight.

“It just fit,” Nelson said. “After my first rehearsal, it just clicked! This is what I am supposed to be doing.”

Nelson explained that her psychology background definitely helped become the character she wanted to portray. “There were clues in the script of Stacy’s unstable background, but it was up to the actor’s interpretation to create the characters’ story,” she said.

Nelson recalls how the play really helped her figure out who she wanted to be. The performance also helped her decompress after a full semester of 21 units.

Shae King is a freshman theater major who performed alongside Nelson in “Some Assembly Required,” as her younger brother, Gordon. King, a theater veteran with eight years’ experience, said that Nelson was the only one without a previous background in theater.

“It was really nice to work with someone with such freshness,” King said. “She always had a nervous energy that brought light to everyone else.”

King noticed how much Nelson grew throughout the rehearsal and said he is very proud of her hard work. “She was on fire every night we performed, it was fun to keep up with her,” King said. “She ran the show while she was on stage.”

HSU Senior Theater major, Kyle Handziak, played the role as Nelson’s older brother Walter in “Some Assembly Required.”

“For not having any background in theater, She really put her own energy towards her character, he said. “She will do great in whatever area of theater she decides to go in, and I am excited to see her in more productions in the future.”

Nelson also enjoys the creative writing side of theater. “I’m figuring out where my passion with the theater lies,” she said.  Nelson and a couple fellow theater majors are planning on writing a sketch show.

Nelson recalls all the support she had while changing her major. “My parents came to see the play and noticed how much happier I was” she said. “I just remember them saying, ‘our baby’s back!’”

Nelson, who was born and raised in Seattle, Wash., plays the flute in the Marching Lumberjacks. “That was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Nelson said, on joining the band.

Nelson encourages students to try new things. “Don’t restrict yourself from doing what you love because you are afraid of what people will think.”