Southeast Student Interns at Whitecliff Summer Playhouse

Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts (Department of Theatre and Dance)

St. Louis, Mo., native and Southeast Missouri State University student Ryan O’Fallon is interning as an assistant this summer at Whitecliff Summer Playhouse in Sunset Hills, Mo.

This experience “will help me attain knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in my major and future jobs,” he said.

His internship puts him directly under the management of his previous high school director at the summer community theatre in Whitecliff Park. Ryan is working on the production crew building outdoor stages and constructing sets. He will also serve as the light board operator of the theatre’s upcoming production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Ryan already has experience working on a few Southeast productions, including “Blood Wedding” and “The Children’s Hour” at the University’s River Campus. He reminisced about his favorite moment since starting Southeast, performing as Judge Taylor in the event, “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Ryan said his time at the University has helped him to succeed by showing him he needs to work hard and always believe in himself.

“I love who I am today and hope that I always will be happy,” he said.

After he graduates in 2013, the Irish performer plans to visit Dublin, Ireland. Ryan said he considers himself a proud personᾰproud to be Irish, proud to come from a big, happy family and proud to have as many loving friends as he does.

In his spare time, Ryan plays soccer, his favorite sport. He said he finds joy and freedom in it, and he plays as many games as possible. He watches soccer, too. His favorite soccer team is Manchester United, and his favorite player is the Premier League club’s star striker, Wayne Rooney.

Ryan not only plays soccer but also baseball and video games. His other hobbies include reading books, working on cars and practicing martial arts. He said he also enjoys karaoke with friends on Wednesday nights at Buckner Brewing Co.

Ryan encourages future Southeast students to find what makes them happy.

“Do what you like,” he recommends, and “like what you do.”