Edited by Lucy Forest, student writer, College of Arts and Sciences
—Elizabeth Helman, Alum, Theatre Arts
Name: Elizabeth Helman
Job: Theatre Arts Sr. Instructor II – Program Coordinator at Oregon State University
Hometown: South Lake Tahoe, California
Research areas of interest: women's drama, post-colonial/postmodern drama, theatre history, women in religion and playwriting
Elizabeth Helman joined the University Theatre for the 2026-27 season as a guest director for its season premier, “Noises Off,” a production often referred to as a “play-within-a-play." Helman has a passion for directing and has worked as a stage director for over 25 years. Currently, she teaches at Oregon State University but returned to her alma mater as a Duck.
Helman took time to answer some questions so those in the College of Arts and Sciences and beyond can get to know her better.
When did you graduate from University of Oregon and what was your major?
I am a California native. I came to UO in 2000 to pursue a master’s degree in theatre. After completing that program in 2002, I went on to earn my PhD in theatre arts after finishing up my dissertation defense in 2006.
Why did you choose to come to University of Oregon?
Around my junior year in college, I had to figure out my next step. I loved learning and making theatre and wanted to find a way to pursue those goals on a deeper level. I started applying to graduate programs in theatre arts on the west coast and one of my undergrad professors encouraged me to apply to UO because she had gone there and spoke highly of her experience and education.
The UO theatre graduate program was unique in that it balanced both the theory and practice of theatre. I was able to build my profile as an artist and a scholar while gaining hands-on experience as a teacher for the first time.
What led you to academia?
I always want to know more. I feel extremely fortunate that I have been able to make a life in a learning environment and culture that encourages creative expression and a constant pursuit of knowledge. When I was an undergrad, I had a deep admiration for so many of my professors. I wanted to do that! I wanted to be a person that helps support the next generation of artists and leaders while continuing to engage in those activities myself.
What is something you learned at University of Oregon that you don’t think you would have learned anywhere else?
Other than what a nutria is, I would say my time at UO was very formative. I came to grad school at 22, right out of undergrad. I'm not sure if this was a UO thing or a "grad school" thing in general, but I learned the power of persistence when things are challenging. Grad school is hard! It's supposed to be hard and along with those challenges come growth.
I would be a completely different person had I not gone to UO. It wasn't always easy, but I'll always be grateful for my education and the many opportunities I had during my time there.
You work at Oregon State University. How do you manage your divided loyalties to Ducks and Beavers?
Ha ha! I am one of many the peaceful "platypi" currently working at OSU Theatre. Our acting instructor and technical director faculty members are also UO alums. I think both universities are essential to the beautiful state we all love so much in the education and culture we bring to our communities and beyond. I like to think I get to bring what I learn back and forth between institutions.
You guest directed a play for University Theatre: What is your favorite thing about directing?
Oh geez! What don't I love about directing? I've been working professionally as a stage director for over 25 years now and it never gets boring. Every play, every opportunity to collaborate with a group of theatre artists, every rehearsal and production process is a chance to challenge myself and to learn something new about the world and share that with others. Every time I start a new production, I feel like this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Theatre is a process of building and teaching empathy and directing a play lets me share in that work.
What advice do you have for students in theatre arts?
Learn everything you can and take advantage of the opportunities you have in your program and on campus while you're there. You get out of your college experience what you put into it, so really make the most that time to try new things, build relationships, grow your creative skills — it all goes by so fast!