Abby Williams ’25 began at St. Joe’s as a political science major before switching to a major in theatre and film, with a concentration in musical theatre, and a second major in art. She chose St. Joe’s because her mom is an alumna, but chose musical theatre because she’s always loved it. “I started dancing when I was three, and I wanted to still have that when I was in college,” Williams said. Williams joined the SJU Theatre Company her sophomore year and has been a part of seven productions, six as an actor and one as a member of stage crew. She stars as Mrs. Corry in the company’s production of “Mary Poppins,” which premieres Nov. 1 in Bluett Theatre.
How do you hope people on campus describe you?
I would hope they say I’m nice.
What is your favorite place on campus?
The [Barnes] Arboretum spot with the tea houses and the lake and little bench.
Who are your heroes?
My mom … My mom and I have always been very close and she’s always been very supportive of my goals and aspirations. She’s also stuck with me through and shown me unconditional love through the roughest times in my life. My battle with cancer over the summer being the biggest one of them all- so I’m eternally grateful for her!
What’s your favorite class?
Acting class.
What is your favorite role you’ve played for SJU Theatre Company?
Maggie in “Lend Me a Tenor.” We had Bob Kelly as a guest director and I learned so much about myself as an actress and acting in general. He was a great person to learn from!
Favorite show you’ve done?
My favorite show I’ve done at SJU, hands down, is “Godspell” …The cast was so close and everyone was so supportive of one another. That show really brought a lot of joy into my life when I needed it most.
What is your best trait?
My loyalty.
What’s something about you that might surprise other people?
I am a history buff.
What do you regret not doing during your time at St. Joe’s?
I joined a lot of activities when I was a freshman. I kind of regret not staying in a lot of them, just because the theater company took a lot of my time, so I had to quit a lot of them. And I wish I was better with time management to stick with those things.
What do you plan to do next?
I’d like to go to grad school for acting so I can at least teach at a college and have a stable job, because I know it’s hard to be stable in theater. I’d like to be a professor and then do shows on the side, if I can.
