Cleo Lockhart

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite class I’ve taken so far at Lewis & Clark was Non-Extant Art, a class co-taught by L&C professor Dawn Odell and Reed College professor Dana Katz. This class was taught on our campus half of the semester and the other half at Reed, with students from both colleges. I loved this class for so many reasons. For one, it was really awesome to get to take a class with students from another school and connect with some of them! Also, in subject matter, the class was absolutely fascinating. Both Dawn and Dana had their own writing on the subject that they could bring into class, which consisted mostly of reading and discussions. Everyone in the class was super passionate about the material, so the discussions were always incredibly rich and rewarding. Plus, Dawn and Dana are sweethearts who would always make the classroom environment super wonderful (and bring us snacks)!

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I have family in Portland and have been visiting since I was little, so I fell in love with the idea of going to school here pretty early on. After touring L&C, I was struck by the beauty of the campus and the friendliness of the student body, which ultimately motivated me to apply.

What do you like or find most interesting about your major?

Theatre has taught me so much more about being a person than I could ever have expected. Far from just being about performance, my theatre studies have taught me about working in groups, in-depth literary and historical analysis, technical skills, developing my confidence, and living in my own body. I’m constantly finding ways to apply my theatre skillset to my day-to-day life, and new things within the discipline to explore! Not only that, the theatre community at L&C is wonderful — it’s introduced me to so many incredibly creative and intelligent people who have made my college experience all the better.

What do you like or find most interesting about your minor?

I love the interconnectivity of my major and both of my minors! I am constantly cross-referencing my classes in English, art history, and theatre and finding ways that each of them enrich and deepen the others. Art history in particular has led me down so many interesting avenues with classes I wouldn’t normally have taken, including visual art and art curation.

Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus.

A lot of the social circles I’m in at school come from my involvement in on-campus activities as well as my major — I’ve made a lot of friends through the theatre department, the Fire Arts Club, and the specific shows and classes I’ve been a part of. Also, even as a current junior, I’m still close friends with a bunch of wonderful folks who I first met on my New Student Trip!

How did you choose your overseas program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience?

I haven’t gone on an overseas trip yet, but I plan to study in London in the fall! I chose this program because of its focus on the humanities, and because it was offered at a time that worked well for my schedule — plus, I know that London has a rich history with all of the disciplines I’m studying.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

My advice is to allow what interests/excites you the most to guide your experience in college! Take classes that intrigue you even if they’re outside your main area of study, stop by club meetings that pique your interest, and get involved with on-campus events whenever you have the opportunity. L&C has so many incredible offerings, and is full of super enthusiastic people who want to make cool things happen! Get involved!!

How are you involved in the arts at L&C?

In addition to taking classes in the arts through my major and minors, I’m also the social media manager for a super cool initiative called Arts@LC! This job gives me the awesome chance to stay updated on any and all on-campus events related to the arts and to promote and document all the wonderful things happening at L&C.

I also love to get involved in the arts through student-led programs and clubs. I’ve had creative writing works submitted to and published in the Literary Review, have performed in a handful of Fire Arts shows, and have participated in several student-led theatre productions including productions of Hamlet, Doctor Faustus, and the semesterly festival Once Upon a Weekend!

How did your financial aid package influence your decision to attend Lewis & Clark?

I initially thought that an out-of-state school would be somewhat out of the question for me — I applied to L&C in the hope that it would magically become affordable if I was accepted, but I definitely had my doubts. I remember crying in a shopping mall when I first heard about my financial package and realized that I’d have the opportunity to go here, and I’ve been super grateful for it ever since!

Theatre Art and Art History English Arts@LC