By Emily Rivard

Most drama students at the University dream of bright lights, sold-out audiences and intricate costumes. They dream of the whirlwind of multi-city tours that whisk them away at a moment’s notice to perform in another famous city. Most of all, they dream of their name in lights.

Missy Dowse, a senior drama major, is living that dream.

Having just returned to the University to complete her senior year, Dowse recently traveled across the country with Phoenix Entertainment to star in their production of “Gypsy.”

In fact, Dowse played one of the lead roles: the character of Rose Louise, who later becomes Gypsy. “Rose Louise goes through an amazing journey and transformation. I never got tired of it-it was amazing,” said Dowse.

In order to prepare for the role in “Gypsy,” which is based on the memoirs of real-life Gypsy Rose Lee, and has been adapted for movies, television and Broadway, Dowse studied the performer in depth. “I read her memoirs, which is what the show is based on,” said Dowse. “I had seen the movies and I had clips of her act. I thought that the book helped a lot, because there were certain lines here and there that people wouldn’t realize unless they had read the book.”

Joining the cast of “Gypsy” helped Dowse learn what it is like to be in a national production. “Everyone had a specific job, which made it easier for me to focus on my job as an actress,” said Dowse. She travelled with six crew members, a company manager, 37 performers, and worked with each local crew at different venues.

While being on tour, Dowse had the thrill of performing in front of different audiences in cities and theaters all across the country. “Smaller cities had the best audience,” said Dowse. “There was this audience at a theater in Pennsylvania that was awesome. They laughed and cheered when they were supposed to. It was amazing to see how different people reacted.”

Being a theater-lover, Dowse was also awe-struck by the venues in which she was performing. “We also closed in a theater in Philadelphia that was the most beautiful theater I’ve ever seen.”

Being from Long Island, however, and attending the University, Dowse was excited to perform near her home. “We got to perform in Long Island, which was great because my friends and family came to see the show.”

Aside from the incredible experience on stage, Dowse was able to sightsee across the country. “I know now where I’d like to visit,” said Dowse. “I got to see things like the St. Louis Arch and an elephant rescue, which was really amazing.”

Although most young actresses who are offered an opportunity as unbelievable as this often let their quick fame get the better of them, Dowse is nothing but modest about her experiences. “We had a bunch of press on the road, and I couldn’t believe that the people wanted to ask me questions!” said Dowse.

One of the most nerve-wracking parts of the tour was the “teasing” act. Because Gypsy was a burlesque act, Dowse-a self-described “shy” person- had to transform herself and dance in costumes that were less than she’s used to. “I am not the one to parade myself-Goodness!” said Dowse. “[I performed] a strip ‘tease’-I say this because Gypsy was always a lady and always classy. It was always done tastefully.”

Although Missy did get homesick (“I am a homebody and am very close to my parents, my brother and boyfriend-even my pets!”), she had some anxiety about coming back to the University to finish her senior year. “Since I took senior year off to do the tour, I was nervous about coming back. The people I was close with had graduated already,” said Dowse. “I was also nervous to get back into the swing of things in class.”

More importantly, the always humble Dowse worried about others’ reactions to her brush with stardom. “I was worried that people would think that I was stuck-up and would have impressions of me. But everyone has been so nice and supportive, they seem genuinely happy for me to have had this chance. It’s very comforting.”

Overall, Dowse’s role in “Gypsy” has opened up many doors and enabled her to work in the type of atmosphere she has always dreamed of. Even though she has starred in a famous rendition of a Broadway play, Dowse remains completely grateful and realizes what a fantasy she has experienced.

“I just by some crazy chance was able to do this at 20, 21 years old. I’m so thankful they took a chance on me.”