Name: Valera (Lera) Bamgbala

Hometown

Moscow, London and New Brunswick, NJ

What are your favorite plays?

The Crucible by Arthur Miller and ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore by John Ford.

What has been your favorite course so far?

Introduction to Theatre – you’ll learn something new regardless of what level you are at.

How would you describe the Department of Theatre?

Overt. Diverse. Witty.

What was your biggest surprise about your experience here?

The faculty believe in you and are willing to push you out there and give you bigger opportunities. The program isn’t the same for every individual. It allows itself to be what you want it to be.

Why did you choose Theatre at Northeastern?

I started out as a history major who was interested in co-op, and I added a theatre major after acting in my first production here. I realized that there was so much for me to learn that I would be silly not to seize the opportunity.

What is some advice to students considering Northeastern?

Don’t doubt yourself. Most of the time you are capable of more than you know, and Theatre at Northeastern will bring it out in you and prepare you for the professional acting world.