Student Spotlight
Allyn Hackman
by: Caroline Dewberry, PR student intern
Allyn Hackman is a senior communication major from Madison, Miss., majoring in communication with a concentration in theatre. Hackman is involved in Alpha Psi Omega, Blackfriars Drama Society, Theatre MSU and The Scene. After graduation, Hackman plans to go to professional screening auditions at SETC to look for acting gigs. If that doesn’t work out, she will find a “9-5 job” elsewhere and participate in regional and community theatre.
Hackman was nominated by her professor Tonya Hays, who said, “Allyn Hackman is a brilliant performer. Her beautiful portrayal of Anne Frank in Theatre MSU’s production of Anne and Emmett will be reprised at an invitational performance in Birmingham in a partnership project between the Birmingham Jewish Federation and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Allyn adds sparkle, magic, and joy to every show she is in!”
Why communication?
I have always loved theatre, and right before starting college is when I decided it’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Best memory in the Department?
Receiving recognition for my effort and hard work on shows I’ve performed in.
Advice for incoming communication students?
If at first you don’t succeed, try again. I never felt like I truly belonged in the department until my senior year. The toxicity of the department had left by then and it really felt more cohesive, like a family.
Best advice you’ve received from a professor?
You are enough. It’s time that you realize that and understand that you are good at this [acting]. - Melanie Harris
Favorite class?
Script Analysis
If you were singing karaoke, what song would you pick to sing?
Bohemian Rhapsody- it’s the song that will bring anyone to their feet, plus I love singing the operatic part then jamming out to the guitar.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’m obsessed with the Butter Chicken from Flavors Indian Cuisine. It’s life-changing.
What’s the most interesting thing that you’ve read, watched or listened to lately?
I absolutely love listening to the podcast “Tudor, I Hardly Know Her” on Spotify. It’s so interesting to hear the history of the six wives of Henry VIII and learn history about what they wore, who they were, how a few of them were even related to each other. I’m fascinated by English royals history.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with that extra time?
One of my favorite things to do is take naps. If I can’t do that, I’ll just play with my dog or watch tv while he cuddles up in my lap. He’s my best friend.