On Sunday, Oct. 18, WFIU’s weekly “Profiles” radio program will feature Sharon Ammen, Ph.D., associate professor of theatre at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC). “Profiles” airs on Sundays at 7 p.m. on WFIU, which can be heard on 95.1 FM in Terre Haute.

“Profiles” is a weekly radio program featuring a new guest each week, ranging from painters to journalists, delving into the person behind the persona. During Ammen’s 58-minute interview, she will talk about a variety of topics, including her educational background and professional experiences, her attraction to SMWC and the work she’s done at the College since joining the faculty in 1997, and her work with the Crossroads Repertory Theatre.

“I am highly honored to be on ‘Profiles,’” Ammen said. “I'm in such distinguished company — in September, ‘Profiles’ featured the Vice President of Indiana University, a soloist with the Iraqi National Symphony orchestra and the director of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center.”

Ammen, who has been a faculty member at SMWC since 1997, received bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees in theatre and literature from the University of Colorado. In 1986, she graduated from the London Drama Studio and subsequently studied at the University of Maryland on a fellowship. In 1997, she obtained a Ph.D. in theatre history, with supplemental areas in literature and feminist studies, from the University of Maryland.

Ammen's background includes both professional acting and directing experience and academic work. Her professional roles include Maria in “Twelfth Night” and Emilia in “Othello” at Colorado Shakespeare Theatre; Ruth in “Pirates of Penzance” at the Harlequin Theatre and Joanne in “Vanities” at the King's Jester, both in Washington, D.C.; and Maddalena in “Rigoletto” at the Denver Opera Theatre. She has also worked extensively overseas and published several scholarly articles.

The theatre area at SMWC offers students a unique major titled “Women and Theatre.” The major degree is for women who are considering work in the theatre and wish to become a part of the vanguard of women creating major changes in the arts. Students pursuing this degree gain invaluable skills in teamwork, self-discipline, effective communication, and critical thinking.

SMWC also offers a theatre minor in both the campus and the Woods External Degree (WED) programs. This minor can serve as a useful addition to a major in such varied fields as vocal performance, art, psychology, business, or education. SMWC graduates with theatre majors and minors have gone on to perform in professional theatre, manage children's theatre groups, become lawyers, and receive full assistantships to pursue graduate study.

For more information about the theatre programs at SMWC or scholarships and financial aid, contact the SMWC Office of Admission by email at smwcadms@smwc.edu or by phone at 812-535-5106 or 1-800-926-SMWC. For more information about “Profiles,” visit http://indianapublicmedia.org/profiles/.