Taking Her Show On The Road: Priscilla Muehr

Published Monday, July 28, 2025

Priscilla Muehr with her KCACTF award, submitted photo

Spotlight Interview with Priscilla Muehr
by Erin Lehman, SMSU Student

Growing up in Luverne, Minnesota, Priscilla Muehr always knew that theatre was where her passions lay. Immersed in the bright lights, creative costume design, and stage direction was where she felt most at home. So when it came time to choose a college, she knew that home and inspiration could be found at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU).

“The interpersonal connections stood out the most to me. And the fact that there’s so much creativity.” Priscilla said, reflecting on her first impressions of being on campus. “I just wouldn't get that anywhere else.”

With family already living in the Marshall area, SMSU became a place where she could explore her craft while surrounded by a strong support system.

Once she settled in at SMSU, Priscilla wasted no time putting her wide range of talents to work as a Theatre major. One of her early standout performances was in 46 Plays for America’s First Ladies, a fast-paced and complex production where she not only acted on stage but also designed the show’s projection elements. Notably, in Bourbon and Laundry, she also acted while designing and painting the set.

With her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and encouragement from Professor Tetta Askeland to take her talents beyond the stage, Priscilla submitted her projection work from 46 Plays for America’s First Ladies to the prestigious Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). It took less than 24 hours for a KCACTF member to reach out and interview her about her projections. At the award ceremony that following Friday, Priscilla sat in the audience, shocked to look up and see she had won.

“They were announcing projection awards, and all of a sudden, there was my name! I was so shocked, I rushed downstairs to get my award.” It was that recognition at the national level that landed her a trip to Columbus, Ohio.

What she didn’t realize at the time was that winning would also open the door to another exciting opportunity: an invitation to attend the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)’s Annual Conference & Stage Expo. USITT is a non-profit that centers its work on connecting theatre and entertainment professionals around the nation.

At the 65th Annual USITT Conference, Priscilla immersed herself in workshops and labs covering topics like lighting design, theatre physics, digital media, and costume design. She was able to talk about her previous projects with peers and industry professionals, and learn more about theirs. “My favorite part of the whole experience was getting to see a screening of Bob Mackie. He is a huge fashion, costume maker who has designed pieces for celebrities like Elton John and Cher. He stayed for a Q&A after, and it was so interesting to hear him speak.”

Returning to SMSU with fresh inspiration, she continued with her work on the set of SHOUT!, a fitting coming-of-age story about women empowerment in an ever-changing society, where Priscilla did the hair, wig, and makeup design.

“I feel like at SMSU, I can explore all the different mediums that are involved in theater,” she said, expanding on what she considers her favorite role during production. “I got my first lead role acting in Inspector Calls, it was so much fun and I felt so proud of myself. While I am the most passionate about set design, I think acting gives you a unique perspective. You understand the character's mannerisms and how you can design the set around them.”

She kicked off her love of acting in her freshman year in the production of Little Women, where she had a small but impactful part.

Now in the final stretches of her undergraduate career, Priscilla is eager to continue expanding her skill set. “I feel like now is the best time for me to learn. I love music, and lighting is a big part of production. I just want to get it all under my belt. Maybe I’ll skip stage management… for now,” she said, laughing.

Set to graduate in 2027 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Priscilla Muehr is focused on a future in scenic design. This summer, she’s taking another step towards following her dreams as a charge artist with the Prairie Repertory Theatre in Brookings, SD.