Movie Shooting On Campus

This past Monday, when looking out the windows of the school or walking around campus grounds, you may have observed a group of cameras, crew members, and maybe some of your fellow students. This was the case for at least one current freshman at UMD named Emily Majerle. I interviewed Majerle to ask her a few questions about what she noticed. 

“I saw people getting their hair fixed up, and I saw cameras around setting up. I was very intrigued about what was going on, cause I noticed a majority of the students there were theater kids. I was interested in what was happening.” Said Majerle. 

If you saw the same thing as Majerle, it may interest you to know that on October 5th, there was an independent movie that was filming on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus. The production team asked the University for students from the Theatre Department to be background extras for a day, and many of us agreed. From there, our Monday was filled with walking from one side of a scene to the other, going back, and doing it again. This may seem tedious to the average student, but for aspiring actors, or students interested in the film industry, this was a great way to get on a set and see how things work. This kind of opportunity can be a helpful introduction to the field of film, and is of interest to many UMD students. Majerle also commented on this aspect. 

“I am always looking for more things to do on campus, and I am trying to go to more fitness and theatre events. I would love to be an extra in a movie. That sounds right up my alley. I would love to have that experience right here on campus.” Said Majerle

An interactive education in acting is one thing that UMD offers, but getting hands-on experience is extremely beneficial. Not something I was expecting as an incoming freshman in the Theatre Department. Majerle shared this element of surprise in her reaction as well. 

“I never thought there would be a movie being filmed on campus! It’s so cool and a great thing for students to be involved in!” Said Majerle.

UMD has a lot to offer students interested in the performing arts, or students simply interested in trying something new. This hands-on experience showed students the patience, focus, and positive attitude necessary to even be on a film set. If you are interested in events like this, feel free to visit the Marshall Performing Arts Center on campus for more opportunities to get involved in the various aspects of performance.