Meet the 2026 Pre-College Intensive Apprentices!

Our Apprentices are WCU students in the Department of Theatre and Dance, who are curious and passionate about working with young people. This program offers a paid opportunity to serve as teaching assistants to our professional staff. The Pre-College apprentices are specially selected to serve as mentors to our high school students — they have gone through the whole college selection process not too long ago, and are excited to share their stories with you. Get to know some of the faces who will become your classmates, RA’s, and mentors over the course of your time at the Pre-College Intensive!

Liz McMunn (she/her)
Class of 2028, Business Management with a Theatre Arts Minor

Liz is.. a very creative person who loves to build new connections and try new things! I like to bake, crochet, travel, play guitar and sing, and watch movies.

One of my favorite experiences at WCU so far is… being a part of University Theatre (UT). It’s a great way to connect with others and build something with wonderful and supportive people.

What I love about going to WCU is… all the yummy restaurants in the borough!

Stevie File (he/him)
Class of 2028, Theatre Arts

Stevie is… An over-caffeinated, over-thinking old soul.

My favorite experience at WCU so far is… Without a doubt, dramaturging and assistant directing GOOD by C. P. Taylor this past winter. My first mainstage production, the show helped me grow more confident as a theatre artist and led to some of my most treasured connections here at West Chester.

One of my favorite places at WCU is… actually, leaving campus for a walk downtown! Especially in summertime. There are so many wonderful spots for food, just to sit and read or write. Overall, a really beautiful Brooklyn-esque feel.

Olivia Opiela (she/they)
Class of 2026, Theatre Production + Design

Olivia is… a nerdy, caring weirdo who loves to joke around and have fun.

My favorite WCU theatre experience so far is… working on the Student Written One-Acts, and other student-run productions, with my friends. It’s a really wonderful community and a different sense of ownership when we get to create and build things with other students.

The best part of being a student at WCU is… exploring downtown with my friends! So many great places to go, especially all the cool music stores.

Gwen Nolen (she/her)
Class of 2026, English Major, Theatre Arts minor

Gwen is… enthusiastic, passionate, and upbeat!

One of my favorite experiences at WCU was… Participating in student-run productions in the theatre department! Through them, I've met some of my best friends, and it's so much fun to be a part of the process and watch everything come together.

My favorite part about living and going to school in West Chester is… The beautiful campus and town! I love it when the weather gets warm and I can walk around town, or take a book outside to read on the quad!

Learn more about the Young Company Apprentices | Learn more about the Faculty and Professional Staff