Curtain Calls: Alumni Testimonials

Val Fish

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  • UWL Class of 2024

  • Performance Major

  • MA Student in Theatre and Performance, University at Buffalo

“Dr. Barilar is who I want to be when I grow up. If it hadn't been for his immense passion for theatre studies and theatre history that he brings to his classes, his unique vision in direction, and deep care for his students both inside and outside of class, I don't think I would be finishing up my master's degree, much less applying to PhD programs in the field. He has encouraged me to not only be dedicated to the work that I do and to be unabashedly passionate in the things that I'm learning, but also his consistent and constructive feedback has allowed for me to grow as a writer and a scholar far beyond what I could have imagined possible.”

Ozzy Glazer

A woman with glasses and short brown hair laughing while sitting on a chair, with a puppet that has a large mouth, brown spiky hair, and a striped shirt, positioned next to her against a dark background.

  • UWL Class of 2026

  • Design/Technical Theatre Major

  • Props Apprentice, portland stage, portland, maine

“Collaboration with Dr. Nic was an integral piece of my college journey. In his classes, not only was I encouraged to look deeper into texts and the worlds that surround them, but he deeply valued discussions amongst classmates. In production settings, he is highly collaborative and emphasizes exploration, qualities I found admirable as a designer and dramaturg. By entering his space, a student is guaranteed to diversify their perspective while strengthening their handle on scholarship — complete with a few laughs!”

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Sage Goetsch

  • UWL Class of 2025

  • Stage Management Major, Design/Tech and Performance minors

  • The Old Globe Theatre, San Diego; First Stage, Milwaukee; Denver Center for the Performing Arts; Eugene o’Neil Memorial Theater Center, Waterford, CT

“Working with Dr. Nic on complex shows, technically and narratively, strengthened my skills as a stage manager and an artist. I got to work on productions that were full of problem solving opportunities as well as being incredible pieces of art!”

Josh Kaiser

Close-up of a young man smiling, wearing a gray flat cap and a navy blue sweater, standing in front of a brick wall.
Close-up of a young man smiling, wearing a gray flat cap and a navy blue sweater, standing in front of a brick wall.

  • UWL class of 2026

  • Performance major, stage management minor

  • madison-based actor

“In my time working as an actor, I have never clicked as much with a director as Dr. Nic. His ability to draw out the best possible performance from me as an actor is unmatched and he brings such a level of care and respect to the rehearsal room. His breadth of knowledge creates an environment of experimentation and play that leads you to make acting choices you never knew you could muster up."

A young person with short brown hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, wearing a beige jacket and a black shirt, standing in front of a brick wall.

Michael Muma

  • UWL Class of 2026

  • Performance and biology double-major

  • Madison-based actor

"To me, the best professor is one that is so passionate in everything they know and love that learning becomes not only easy and fun, but something you look forward to every day. Dr. Nic is one of those professors. As my professor and advisor, I always knew I could expect not only an engaging lesson from Dr. Nic, but also amazing guidance towards things outside the classroom, be it other classes in undergrad, theater in general, or everything between and beyond! I love his willingness to get up and have fun with his actors when directing, always being an active participant in the story he was helping us tell. Not to mention, he would always give 110% in making the classroom and rehearsal room a safe space for absolutely everyone.”

Caroline Thompson

A young woman with brown hair styled in loose waves, wearing a beige blazer over a white turtleneck, and gold hoop earrings, looking directly at the camera against a dark background.

“I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Nic as a student, actor, and advisee. What really stood out to me was his ability to bring out the very best in his students in the classroom, the rehearsal space, and beyond. His Theatre History and Literature classes in particular were full of tactfully led discussions and lectures that transformed my understanding of the part theatre plays in our society. His knowledge, expertise, and personality make him an incredibly skilled educator, artist, and mentor.” 

  • UWL Class of 2026

  • Musical Theatre and psychology double-major

  • asolo repertory theatre and florida state university mfa in acting student

Paige Verbsky

A young woman with short brown hair smiling and wearing a black sleeveless top, gold earrings, and a small gold chain, sitting in a restaurant with patterned curtains and a wooden wall behind her.

  • UWL Class of 2025

  • Arts Administration Major, Performance Minor

  • Marketing and Administrative assistant, American Players Theatre, Spring Green, Wisconsin

“Dr. Nic taught me invaluable lessons that laid the foundation for my growth not only as a theatre arts professional but also as a human being. I take what I’ve learned from Dr. Nic in the classroom and on the stage and feel I can speak confidently on a wide range of topics, from script analysis to directing. Dr. Nic is the kind of teacher you hope to encounter at least once in your academic journey, because you’ll leave not only brighter, but more empathetic, excited, and curious about the world around you.”