Southern Methodist University

Erika double majored at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.  She walked away after 4 years with both a BFA in Theater (specialization in Acting) and a BA in English (focusing on Middle English and Renaissance literature).

Her BFA consisted of Theater Practicums in Lighting & Lighting Design, Scenery & Set Design, Costuming & Costume Design and Stage Management.  By specializing in Acting, the majority of her upper level classes consisted of Acting classes and Voice and Movement classes where she received training in IPA (the International Phonetic Alphabet), armed and unarmed stage combat (according to the standards of the SAFD – Society of American Fight Directors), and stylized dance.

Her BA started out as a self-directed major in Independent Studies; by her senior year, as it became clearer than she could manage her schedule to take all the course requirements, she transferred and officially became an English Major.  She took several courses in Medieval literature, Chaucer, Shakespeare and Renaissance Drama (focusing on playwrights other than Shakespeare).  She also became Vice President of the Medieval Club, organizing different cultural events including the school’s annual Medieval Fair.  She graduated as a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the national English Honors Society.

She cheered briefly with the Pom Squad/Dance Team “Mustang Motion” at football games, both at home and away.  After declaring her major, she was able to declare her Dance minor and started taking Dance Technique classes instead.  (Little known fact: she marched with the Mustang Band in George W. Bush’s Inaugural Parade as SMU was Laura Bush’s alma mater).