Kirk and Thurston engage in wide-ranging theatre opportunities

Charlie Thurston and Ellen Kirk, former high school classmates, have made the most of their Cornell theatre opportunities. In addition to numerous Cornell productions, both have spent summers in Colorado with Creede Repertory Theatre, and a semester of study and internships through the Chicago Arts Program.

“While Cornell provides me with wonderful academic and extracurricular opportunities, nothing can simulate the realities of the theatre scene in a thriving urban setting like Chicago,” says Thurston, who interned at Redmoon Theatre. “I saw countless examples of cutting-edge theatre productions and got to meet a number of talented, knowledgeable working artists that were more than happy to assist me.”

Kirk has similar praise for her Chicago experience, which took her to Steppenwolf Theater, Chicago Children’s Theater, and Chicago Center for Performing Arts with independent costume designer Janice Pytel. Kirk’s experience inspired her to add costume and makeup design to her Cornell theatre focus.

Both Kirk and Thurston speak highly of Creede, as well, where they performed in Crazy for You, Sweeney Todd, and other shows.

“The most valuable part of my Creede experience was the opportunity to work in a real repertory situation,” she says. “The work was difficult, but I learned so much from my peers and the veterans of the company.”

Kirk plans to pursue postgraduate work in performance or costume design. Thurston looks forward to an acting and playwriting career in Minneapolis or Chicago.