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Hi! My name is Riley Wodka. I come from a small town in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. I started my academics at North Central College in the fall of 2020, and graduated in Spring of 2024, with a major in Acting and Theatrical Design & Technology.

The first time I ever experienced live theatre, I instantly knew that is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I joined Theatre because it was the one thing in life that allowed me to follow my passions in life. The urge to create, to make art and enjoy art with just my bare hands. Theatre is one form of art that allows stories to come to life and be told in many ways in many different styles. How shows can be done for years and still find something new to it. Stories that have been told before but ones that we need to hear again. I thrive in positions where I can be creative and let my mind wonder. Where I can get my hands dirty.

One of my favorite moments is when the final touches to programming or exploring a cue, and seeing the final product come together. That second before the lights come up and shine on stage, feeling the butterflies flutter in my stomach. Moments like that make the entire process worth it. To let the audience bask in the act of finish a project from cast and crew.

When collaborating with others, one must be prepared for changes. I am committed to the rigorous journey of failing and trying again. To show up every day and try something new, to see if that sticks. That is why I continue to stay in theatre. It gives us so many opportunities to just try and create.