USU students launch careers at Lyric Rep

The Caine Lyric Theatre’s recent reopening has restored a historic performance venue in downtown Logan, but for Utah State University theater students, the Lyric Repertory Company offers more than a stage, it provides an opportunity to work alongside professional artists before graduation. 

Founded in 1967 by the USU Department of Theatre Arts’ former department head Vosco Call, the Lyric Repertory Company was created to help students transition from college into professional theater. Today, the partnership between the company and USU’s Department of Theatre Arts remains central to that mission. 

“When a student graduates from any theater program, not just Utah State, it can be difficult to get those first professional gigs,” said Richie Call, head of the Department of Theatre Arts and artistic director of the Lyric Repertory Company, “so my grandpa in 1967 wanted to create an opportunity where when they graduated from Utah State it felt like they had already worked their first professional gigs.” 

Each season the Lyric hires both professional guest artists and USU students. Call said the company begins by identifying opportunities for students before filling remaining positions with outside professionals. 

“We really do start with the students,” Call said. “We say, ‘Okay, where can we plug the students in?’” 

For Ariana Whatcott, a recent USU graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting, the Lyric became one of the most valuable parts of her education. Whatcott worked four consecutive seasons with the company while completing her degree and said the experience prepared her for a professional acting career. 

“My biggest learning opportunities happened while working at Lyric Rep,” Whatcott said. 

Unlike university productions, the Lyric operates as a repertory company, meaning performers often rehearse and perform multiple productions simultaneously while also understudying additional roles. 

“That’s a level of discipline that isn’t necessarily integrated in our curriculum at school,” Whatcott said. “It’s a really great opportunity to experience that kind of discipline in the summer.” 

Call said the summer season allows students to fully focus on their craft in a professional environment without worrying about classes or additional jobs. 

“It really is everything that they’re learning in the classroom,” Call said. “It’s just in an environment where that’s all they’re doing.” 

Whatcott said working alongside professional actors helped her realize there was little distinction between students and experienced performers. 

“There wasn’t really a divide in professionalism from students to the equity actors that they were bringing in,” Whatcott said. 

She added that the experience also strengthens students’ resumes by connecting them with nationally recognized artists and regional theater professionals. 

The collaboration also changes the relationship between students and faculty members. During the academic year, professors serve as instructors, but during the Lyric season, they become colleagues working together on productions. 

“I think it’s really awesome to see our professors practice what they preach,” Whatcott said. 

Call said that professional work is an important part of being a theater educator. 

“To be able to come and see your professor perform is tantamount to reading that new book that your professor just published,” Call said. 

Although the Lyric Theatre recently underwent renovations to improve safety, backstage facilities and production capabilities, both Call and Whatcott said the theatre’s character remains unchanged. 

“When I look at the front of the Lyric Theatre and I walk in the theatre, it’s still the same feeling, just with more efficient technology,” Whatcott said. 

Looking ahead, Call hopes the renovated theatre will create even more opportunities for students and the Logan community. More importantly, he said, the Lyric continues to give students confidence before entering the professional world. 

“I think having worked in a professional environment like that is a fantastic way to help them know when they book the next gig at the next place. They’re going to be just fine because they’ve already done it,” Call said.