05/04/2026
Senior Spotlight: Ari Theodore
Ari has been an active member of the department during his time at USA and has often been onstage but for his final project he created a play to allow others to be his voice.
“Finnegan’s Got a Secret is the culmination of everything that I have worked for in my four years at South. As part of my thesis, it has allowed for me to work with both the Drama and English departments and have my work put on stage. Finnegan’s Got a Secret went through a multitude of drafts before finally receiving a staged reading. With each draft, I learned more about the process of writing and what being a playwright means. Additionally, I got to understand through practice my voice as a writer. During the drafting process, I got to fully realize what story I wanted to tell and what kinds of characters I wanted to lead it. With the help of my thesis committee, I was able to see what worked within the script drafts and what did not. Furthermore, through the Q + A, held after the staged reading, I received what very few writers ever receive in their careers, live and written feedback. I was able to see in person what jokes landed during the performance, and then, after I heard people voice their genuine opinions on my work. I am so unbelievably grateful for the opportunities I have received by writing this script and having it read on the USA Department of Theatre’s stage.
I am very excited to announce that after graduation, I will be working with Missoula Children’s Theatre. Through my position, I will be acting, directing, and educating all while touring the United States.”
Thank you to everyone who came out to support his work! We can't wait to see where his career takes him!
