What Our Former LAMB Students Are Saying….
(These former students are those from recent years through those who worked with us in the late 1980’s.)
I can, without a doubt, say that having the experience I've had at LAMB as a student, a performer and an intern has been life-changing. Your ability to challenge and encourage me to work harder, dig deeper and always keep things fresh and alive, combined with your incredible support and belief in me has had such an amazing impact on my life and I cannot thank you enough. LAMB Theatre and The LAMB School are so incredible because of your passion, challenge and encouragement...which makes LAMB a truly one in TEN million place!
Freshman theatre student at Northwestern University, Chicago.
Betsy (Elizabeth) Stewart
former LAMB student/performer
Sophomore musical theatre student at Northwestern University, Chicago.
LAMB not only helps children to become adult professional actors and theatre goers, it also helps young people to become professional adults, no matter what they do with their lives. It teaches kids to be responsible, work well as a team, and to be proud of their individuality. I’ve had many friends who attended LAMB and went on to be successful and happy people in whatever they chose to do.
I feel very thankful to have had LAMB in my life growing up. Russ and Diana Wooley really have a special company that enriches the lives of Siouxlanders year round. I hope they continue to produce top quality, real live theatre and to teach children that life can be fun and rewarding.
Selena Robison
former LAMB student and LAMB Ewe teacher
Currently working as the lead singer with Stiletto Entertainment on Holland cruise lines
She trained at Webster University, St. Louis, MO.
More than anything, my path toward adulthood, was steered on its course by Russ and Diana and everyone else I worked with over the years at LAMB Productions. The experiences that I gained while working at that theatre have served me every day of my life since. The training that I learned at LAMB has been with me as I studied acting at DePaul University, as I worked overseas doing comedy with The Second City, and it stays with me as I continue down a professional, creative pathway. No amount of words could ever reflect how much I respect what Russ and Diana do and how much I revere that theatre…
Seth Unger
former Lamb Student, Ewe Teacher, and LAMB Actor
He received a BFA from The Theatre School; DePaul University and was the co-founder of the Chicago based Collision Theatre Company.
I think LAMB gave me the strength to keep trying for my dream. LAMB has stayed with me through my life. I have had turns and upsets but in the end there is always a theatre to audition for or a show to see. This is what LAMB has given me. Those experiences and memories will always keep me involved in the theatre world. Katie Driscoll
former LAMB actor, student, and Ewe teacher
Currently an actor and stage combat instructor in Seattle, WA
Closing Night of “Nunsense”, Russ and Diana said good-bye to me in the front hall. Russ put his hands on my shoulders and told me how proud he was of me, and how much I had grown during the course of the show. I bawled my eyes out. I felt so proud of my 16 yr old self, and so grateful that they had taken a chance on a 16 yr old kid with their show. My time with Diana, Pam Ferdig (Barry) and Mary Madsen made a huge impact on my life - they were so accepting and encouraging and supportive, and they really made me feel welcome, and CAPABLE of joining their highly talented roster. - I adore those women. I think the above says it all...but really, just knowing that I could have a place where I thrived at something, where I could really grow and be free to make mistakes and learn from them...it was incredibly valuable. I LOVE working in the theater, and I have been working on the stage in one way or another since my first exposure to it all with Diana in those summer classes.
Amanda Sprague Hanzlik
former Lamb student and Actor
She received her MA from Columbia University and her BA from the University of IA.
She is a part time teacher at the University of Connecticut Community School.
My time at the theater has had many different positive influences on my life. I learned how to be confident in myself and how to creatively express myself. And, with the experience of assisting with costumes at LAMB, and many sewing lessons from my mom, I was able to have the incredible opportunity to work on some amazing costumes in this crazy business we call Show Business!
Ashley Bainbridge
former Lamb student, actor, and costume assistant
Currently pursuing a masters degree in Library Science after working in the costume industry in Los Angeles.
I loved every minute of working with the gifted youth of the community. My experience with the Lamb Ewe Summer Program is what inspired me to become a musical theatre major at the University of South Dakota!
Danny Marandola
former Lamb student and Ewe teacher
Currently pursuing a degree in musical theatre in Germany.
Without LAMB I know for a fact, I wouldn’t be where I am. Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. Wooley, Donny, Karen, and everyone else for your constant support. When I was in Hollywood for American Idol I can remember calling Mrs. Wooley at 1 o’clock in the morning (Iowa time) and asking for her advice on certain song choices and performance options. It meant the world to me to have her there for those late night ‘pep’ talks. The advice she gave me, I still use in everyday life. During my senior year of high school I still remember sitting in Mr. Wooley’s office, freaking out about college and what I was planning to do with my life after I graduated. He assured me that everything would work out and to really just believe in myself and to go for my passion - singing. I wouldn’t be at Belmont right now, and doing what I love, if it weren’t for those chats with him. The relationship I had with Donny is absolutely irreplaceable. He was constantly pushing me and teaching me to never settle for less than my best. It is a life lesson that comes in to play every time I get on stage to perform. And Miss Karen, well, she was almost like a big sister to me. We could talk about anything, and I knew that Karen would be there for me, no matter what. These people, along with many others at the theatre have influenced my life in an amazing way. I am who I am, because of them. LAMB taught me so much more than just how to perform, sing, and act. It taught me to believe. Whether you want to be an amazing actor/actress in New York City, or an aspiring singer in Nashville, Tennessee, LAMB showed me that nothing is impossible.
Katie Admire
Former LAMB student and actor
Currently pursuing a degree in commercial music at Belmont University, Nashville TN
American Idol season 8 Hollywood finalist
Baaa2011 Headliner
My years at LAMB have shaped the way I work in everything to this day. One of the most important things it taught me was the realization that there are no small parts. Every role, whether it be backstage or onstage, is of the same value.
I have trained at some of the finest programs. But the fundamentals of my education can always be traced back to LAMB.
Victoria Scott
former LAMB student, actor, and box office manager
She trained at The Theatre School; DePaul University and The Neighborhood Playhouse.
Currently an actor in NYC; recently finished a film that will be seen at the Tribeca Film Festival.
These experiences at LAMB fueled my love for the spectacle of theatre and also my appreciation for the craft and the work that actors put into every role they play. Even more importantly I thank LAMB for instilling in me a confidence in my imagination and my ability to play and create. When I went to study Theatre in college I felt I had been wonderfully prepared to collaborate with other theatre artists because of the education I had received at LAMB onstage and off.
Emily Happe
former Lamb student, actor, and Ewe teacher
Currently an actor in LA; She recently shot episodes of THE BIG BANG THEORY, MONK, CSI:NY and
DIRTY SEXY MONEY
From the age of 6, in 1994, to the present day I have been involved with LAMB Theatre. I started off small and afraid at summer ewe-niversity, but I slowly grew into my skin. LAMB Theatre played a critical role in my life. At college I continue to be active in theater through plays, skits, and dance shows, and I hope to continue being involved throughout my life because theater has become a part of me.
Alison Currans-Sheehan
former Lamb student and Ewe teacher
Currently pursuing a masters degree in Social Work in Boston
In all honesty, I can't think of a way (LAMB) hasn't influenced my life. My time at LAMB has given me confidence, recognition, great work to do, provided me with all kinds of skills in teamwork and communication, discipline, being able to take and grow from criticism, and help work with people to achieve a goal. And there have honestly been times in my life when I just needed a place to go, and friendly faces, and the LAMB family has always been there for me.
Matt Rixner
Lamb actor and LAMB School teacher
LAMB Arts Board Member
Currently a television producer/videographer/writer/director/editor/commercial actor/
and voiceover artist in Siouxland
It is hard for me to express how much impact Lamb Productions had over my time spent in Sioux City and into my adult life. Growing up a fat, closeted and creative kid in Iowa, I often felt like an outsider. However, the theatre created a space that I felt welcomed, needed and loved. I have often said to people over the years that the fact that a professional theatre existed in Sioux City saved my life. I was able to express myself and learn about the thing that my young mind obsessed over day and night, theatre.
Nathan Halvorson
former Lamb student and actor
Currently an actor, director, and teacher living in NYC.
(These former students are those from recent years through those who worked with us in the late 1980’s.)
I can, without a doubt, say that having the experience I've had at LAMB as a student, a performer and an intern has been life-changing. Your ability to challenge and encourage me to work harder, dig deeper and always keep things fresh and alive, combined with your incredible support and belief in me has had such an amazing impact on my life and I cannot thank you enough. LAMB Theatre and The LAMB School are so incredible because of your passion, challenge and encouragement...which makes LAMB a truly one in TEN million place!
Freshman theatre student at Northwestern University, Chicago.
Betsy (Elizabeth) Stewart
former LAMB student/performer
Sophomore musical theatre student at Northwestern University, Chicago.
LAMB not only helps children to become adult professional actors and theatre goers, it also helps young people to become professional adults, no matter what they do with their lives. It teaches kids to be responsible, work well as a team, and to be proud of their individuality. I’ve had many friends who attended LAMB and went on to be successful and happy people in whatever they chose to do.
I feel very thankful to have had LAMB in my life growing up. Russ and Diana Wooley really have a special company that enriches the lives of Siouxlanders year round. I hope they continue to produce top quality, real live theatre and to teach children that life can be fun and rewarding.
Selena Robison
former LAMB student and LAMB Ewe teacher
Currently working as the lead singer with Stiletto Entertainment on Holland cruise lines
She trained at Webster University, St. Louis, MO.
More than anything, my path toward adulthood, was steered on its course by Russ and Diana and everyone else I worked with over the years at LAMB Productions. The experiences that I gained while working at that theatre have served me every day of my life since. The training that I learned at LAMB has been with me as I studied acting at DePaul University, as I worked overseas doing comedy with The Second City, and it stays with me as I continue down a professional, creative pathway. No amount of words could ever reflect how much I respect what Russ and Diana do and how much I revere that theatre…
Seth Unger
former Lamb Student, Ewe Teacher, and LAMB Actor
He received a BFA from The Theatre School; DePaul University and was the co-founder of the Chicago based Collision Theatre Company.
I think LAMB gave me the strength to keep trying for my dream. LAMB has stayed with me through my life. I have had turns and upsets but in the end there is always a theatre to audition for or a show to see. This is what LAMB has given me. Those experiences and memories will always keep me involved in the theatre world. Katie Driscoll
former LAMB actor, student, and Ewe teacher
Currently an actor and stage combat instructor in Seattle, WA
Closing Night of “Nunsense”, Russ and Diana said good-bye to me in the front hall. Russ put his hands on my shoulders and told me how proud he was of me, and how much I had grown during the course of the show. I bawled my eyes out. I felt so proud of my 16 yr old self, and so grateful that they had taken a chance on a 16 yr old kid with their show. My time with Diana, Pam Ferdig (Barry) and Mary Madsen made a huge impact on my life - they were so accepting and encouraging and supportive, and they really made me feel welcome, and CAPABLE of joining their highly talented roster. - I adore those women. I think the above says it all...but really, just knowing that I could have a place where I thrived at something, where I could really grow and be free to make mistakes and learn from them...it was incredibly valuable. I LOVE working in the theater, and I have been working on the stage in one way or another since my first exposure to it all with Diana in those summer classes.
Amanda Sprague Hanzlik
former Lamb student and Actor
She received her MA from Columbia University and her BA from the University of IA.
She is a part time teacher at the University of Connecticut Community School.
My time at the theater has had many different positive influences on my life. I learned how to be confident in myself and how to creatively express myself. And, with the experience of assisting with costumes at LAMB, and many sewing lessons from my mom, I was able to have the incredible opportunity to work on some amazing costumes in this crazy business we call Show Business!
Ashley Bainbridge
former Lamb student, actor, and costume assistant
Currently pursuing a masters degree in Library Science after working in the costume industry in Los Angeles.
I loved every minute of working with the gifted youth of the community. My experience with the Lamb Ewe Summer Program is what inspired me to become a musical theatre major at the University of South Dakota!
Danny Marandola
former Lamb student and Ewe teacher
Currently pursuing a degree in musical theatre in Germany.
Without LAMB I know for a fact, I wouldn’t be where I am. Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. Wooley, Donny, Karen, and everyone else for your constant support. When I was in Hollywood for American Idol I can remember calling Mrs. Wooley at 1 o’clock in the morning (Iowa time) and asking for her advice on certain song choices and performance options. It meant the world to me to have her there for those late night ‘pep’ talks. The advice she gave me, I still use in everyday life. During my senior year of high school I still remember sitting in Mr. Wooley’s office, freaking out about college and what I was planning to do with my life after I graduated. He assured me that everything would work out and to really just believe in myself and to go for my passion - singing. I wouldn’t be at Belmont right now, and doing what I love, if it weren’t for those chats with him. The relationship I had with Donny is absolutely irreplaceable. He was constantly pushing me and teaching me to never settle for less than my best. It is a life lesson that comes in to play every time I get on stage to perform. And Miss Karen, well, she was almost like a big sister to me. We could talk about anything, and I knew that Karen would be there for me, no matter what. These people, along with many others at the theatre have influenced my life in an amazing way. I am who I am, because of them. LAMB taught me so much more than just how to perform, sing, and act. It taught me to believe. Whether you want to be an amazing actor/actress in New York City, or an aspiring singer in Nashville, Tennessee, LAMB showed me that nothing is impossible.
Katie Admire
Former LAMB student and actor
Currently pursuing a degree in commercial music at Belmont University, Nashville TN
American Idol season 8 Hollywood finalist
Baaa2011 Headliner
My years at LAMB have shaped the way I work in everything to this day. One of the most important things it taught me was the realization that there are no small parts. Every role, whether it be backstage or onstage, is of the same value.
I have trained at some of the finest programs. But the fundamentals of my education can always be traced back to LAMB.
Victoria Scott
former LAMB student, actor, and box office manager
She trained at The Theatre School; DePaul University and The Neighborhood Playhouse.
Currently an actor in NYC; recently finished a film that will be seen at the Tribeca Film Festival.
These experiences at LAMB fueled my love for the spectacle of theatre and also my appreciation for the craft and the work that actors put into every role they play. Even more importantly I thank LAMB for instilling in me a confidence in my imagination and my ability to play and create. When I went to study Theatre in college I felt I had been wonderfully prepared to collaborate with other theatre artists because of the education I had received at LAMB onstage and off.
Emily Happe
former Lamb student, actor, and Ewe teacher
Currently an actor in LA; She recently shot episodes of THE BIG BANG THEORY, MONK, CSI:NY and
DIRTY SEXY MONEY
From the age of 6, in 1994, to the present day I have been involved with LAMB Theatre. I started off small and afraid at summer ewe-niversity, but I slowly grew into my skin. LAMB Theatre played a critical role in my life. At college I continue to be active in theater through plays, skits, and dance shows, and I hope to continue being involved throughout my life because theater has become a part of me.
Alison Currans-Sheehan
former Lamb student and Ewe teacher
Currently pursuing a masters degree in Social Work in Boston
In all honesty, I can't think of a way (LAMB) hasn't influenced my life. My time at LAMB has given me confidence, recognition, great work to do, provided me with all kinds of skills in teamwork and communication, discipline, being able to take and grow from criticism, and help work with people to achieve a goal. And there have honestly been times in my life when I just needed a place to go, and friendly faces, and the LAMB family has always been there for me.
Matt Rixner
Lamb actor and LAMB School teacher
LAMB Arts Board Member
Currently a television producer/videographer/writer/director/editor/commercial actor/
and voiceover artist in Siouxland
It is hard for me to express how much impact Lamb Productions had over my time spent in Sioux City and into my adult life. Growing up a fat, closeted and creative kid in Iowa, I often felt like an outsider. However, the theatre created a space that I felt welcomed, needed and loved. I have often said to people over the years that the fact that a professional theatre existed in Sioux City saved my life. I was able to express myself and learn about the thing that my young mind obsessed over day and night, theatre.
Nathan Halvorson
former Lamb student and actor
Currently an actor, director, and teacher living in NYC.
If you would like to add your comments about your experiences at LAMB, please email them to thelambschool@gmail.com
