Ever since she stepped on the stage in middle school, University of Oregon alum Jerilyn Armstrong knew she wanted to be an actor. At UO, she minored in theatre arts, immersing herself in plays at the University Theatre and the Pocket Playhouse, a student-run theatre organization on campus. She also jumped into performing at the Oregon Contemporary Theatre in Eugene, DuckTV and student films.

“I don’t have any regrets because I wouldn’t be where I am now,” she said. “But if I were to do it again, I’d definitely major in theatre.”

Her curiosity and eagerness led her to build valuable connections with instructors and explore every opportunity the Department of Theatre Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences, setting her up to pursue her passion after college.

Armstrong’s undergraduate theatre experience was defined by inspiring directors and instructors. She performed in three plays directed by theatre arts professor Michael Malek Najjar, who continually motivated and challenged her to reach her full potential.

“He really got me to a level that I thought I wouldn’t be able to reach until I was in my thirties. I felt very seen and motivated by him, and he really helped with my confidence and overall experience of learning,” Armstrong said.

She also recalled classes she took from theatre arts professor John Schmor that have stuck with her long into her career.

“He taught the advanced Meisner technique and advanced Shakespeare, and that's still some of the best training I've had in the classroom to date. There were just some magical moments in those classes. He really treats you like a professional and expects you to work and show up like a professional,” said Armstrong.

Heading to LA LA Land

After graduating in 2017, Armstrong moved to Los Angeles, immersing herself in the world of improv, commercials and independent film. Her time there ignited a newfound passion for improv comedy — a medium she hadn’t explored much before.

"I fell in love with improv partly because the community is just so incredible and supportive, like the whole nature of improv is about ‘saying yes.’ It’s so cool because I’ve been doing it for six years now and it just wasn't something I was expecting to become such a huge part of my life,” she said. 

Armstrong is a part of two house improv teams, HONK and The Kickstand Cult, at Kickstand Comedy. Her team HONK has been nominated to perform at national and international comedy festivals. 

Bringing It Home

Eventually, Armstrong returned to Portland, Oregon, where she began exploring new acting styles and creating her own stories. She graduated from The Institute for Contemporary Performance, a yearlong performance training program created by Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble.

“I'm more like a multidisciplinary artist now, and I am trying to create my own work in addition to pursuing acting work. I'm a huge advocate for that and to just practice by doing. I like to really get creative and try all these new things,” she said.

One of Armstrong’s proudest achievements is writing her own play, Exhale. Recently completed, the full-length, six-character play draws inspiration from her life experiences that occurred during her senior year at UO. Armstrong first showcased her work with a staged reading at Portland's 2024 Fertile Ground Festival, an annual arts festival featuring local artists. Following this, she’s been invited to hold another reading this winter at Third Rail Repertory Theater, a regional company in Portland. Armstrong hopes to see Exhale evolve into a full-scale production by 2025 or 2026.

“Now I'm learning how to produce and make these things, so I would say that's my biggest, most exciting accomplishment right now. Since part of the play takes place in Eugene, it would be so fun to perform it there one day,” she said.

Yes! And...

To current UO theatre arts students — or anyone exploring creative fields — Armstrong offers straightforward advice: embrace every opportunity and don’t hesitate to create your own work from the start. She encourages students to take advantage of the Pocket Playhouse, where they can write, perform and direct their own productions.

“I also recommend trying things that might feel a bit uncomfortable, like improv, playwriting or dance,” she said. “You never know; it could turn into something you really enjoy.”

Armstrong has used the skills she learned in the theatre department to get involved in other opportunities on and off campus. Taking part in DuckTV, the University Film Organization and acting in plays at Oregon Contemporary Theatre herself, Armstrong emphasizes that students should take advantage of all the opportunities available to them.

Armstrong’s journey highlights the rewards of pushing boundaries and fully embracing the opportunities a creative liberal arts education has to offer.

— By Harper Wells, College of Arts and Sciences