Meet The Casts of A Midsummer Night Dream: Quinn Francis
Bruins, get ready for the annual celebration of the Healthy Campus Initiative (HCI) happening on Thursday May 4th! This year’s theme is #DreamRevolution by which we hope to explore what our dreams are as well as who and what in our lives help us to accomplish these dreams. The Celebrating will be hosted in the Sunset Recreation Complex, celebrating the grand opening of UCLA’s New Living Amphitheater.
As a part of the celebration, UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television is preparing a performance of Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Today, we will meet Quinn Francis, a 4th year student in the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television. Read on to find out her journey of living well as a UCLA student as well as insight on the play.
Q: Could you briefly introduce yourself?
A: I am Quinn Francis, a fourth year studying acting in the UCLA school of Theater, Film, and Television. I will be playing the role of Hermia in the play for the celebration.
Q: What made you decide to attend UCLA?
A: I applied to about 10 different programs, and it came down to what kind of training I want to get. I thought UCLA would be the best for getting high quality theater training as well as strong liberal arts education. I got to take a lot of writing classes and history classes in addition to my theater classes, and I really enjoyed them. I feel that I got a really well-rounded education here.
Q: How has UCLA helped you live a healthy lifestyle?
A: I don’t think that the structure of a university necessarily encourages us to value self-care. I remember as a freshman I constantly felt like I was missing out because everyone was doing stuff all the time. I eventually had to learn to pace myself. I learned that I cannot do everything because I am one person. Having so many choices forced me to learn and choose what is most important to me.
Q: Is there any advice you might have for freshmen who may be feeling
like they are missing out on things?
A: My advice would be to slow down and take the time to make deliberate choices about how to spend your time. You will never regret trying something new but you will regret overcommitting yourself to things you aren’t passionate about. And remember you aren’t stuck!
Q: How about the connection between your studies as a theater major and health?
A: As a theater major, my body is my working office. Being present with my body requires both physical and mental health, so I do think being well is the most important thing.
Q: Could you tell me more about the performance you are working on for the celebration? What has been your favorite part?
A: It’s such a fun, light play. It’s impossible to watch the show and not have a good time. Also, Joe Olivieri [the professor who directs the play] has been teaching us not only to communicate the text, but also bring out the fun and joy.
Q: Graduation is approaching quickly. What are some of your dreams and aspirations after graduation?
A: I hope to be a working actor and be able to support myself with what I have been trained to do.
Q: How has UCLA helped you achieve your dreams?
A: The faculty gave me a good foundation to be a good person as well as a good artist. They encouraged me to find what my voice is in performance and acting. It is important to have your unique voice and perspective.
Q: What does “living well” mean to you?
A: Balance with a capital B. It’s hard to maintain it, but I think I am the happiest when I am able to find a balance between spending time with my family, having time to read the news, participate in my community, and doing the work I want to do [theater]. And I think self-care is a huge part of it, that we as college students often neglect.
Getting to know Quinn through the interview gave me a chance to reflect on my time at UCLA. I could not help but agree with Quinn on how challenging it is to exercise self-care and find balance at UCLA. To learn more about the effort Healthy Campus Initiative is making to help students live well, come check out Dream Revolution on May 4th! Tickets are free at UCLA’s Central Ticket Office or for $25 online (all proceeds benefit HCI’s Living Amphitheatre). Check out our Facebook event as well!
Miso Kwak is an undergraduate student at UCLA majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Disability Studies and Education Studies. In addition to blogging for the UCLA Healthy Campus Initiative, she plays the flute with the UCLA Woodwind Chamber Ensemble. Outside of school, she works as a mentor for high school students through Accessible Science, a nonprofit organization that facilitates science camp for blind youth.
