Lara Berich and Acacia Daken
The West Virginia University School of Theatre and Dance is welcoming two new faculty members.
Lara Berich joins the school as a service assistant professor of costume technology. Their credits include working as a draper and tailor with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and with the Santa Fe Opera. From 2013-2023, Berich also provided technical supervision for costume apprentices for the opera.
They previously held similar faculty positions at Niagara University and the University of Montana and created courses for Indiana University's Costume Technology program. Berich remains an active professional in the costuming world, often doing freelance patterning and construction work for designers and companies, including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Metropolitan Opera and Huntington Theatre Company.
Berich's teaching style guides students in the pursuit of accuracy. They emphasize that there is no "wrong way," but teaches how to choose the best way to complete a task depending on the situation.
"I am enthusiastic about working with the clearly dedicated and passionate faculty, staff, and students to produce not just our shows but to grow and innovate together in the classroom," Berich said. "I have never felt so well-supported by my colleagues as I do here, and I am truly excited about the learning journey the students are on in learning a wild array of costuming techniques. Let's go!"
Acacia Daken, a visiting assistant professor of vocal technique, also joins the School of Theatre and Dance. Daken is an actor and voice actor from Perth, Western Australia. She has an MA in Acting from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in the U.K. Her roles include Mayor Francine Watson in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) drama, "Itch," and Megan Morrison in the upcoming horror/mystery film, "Lies Within Us."
Daken is also a lecturer and voice and accent coach. She is the founder of Vocal Chameleon and is a junior board member of the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA).
"I am so delighted to bring my global experience to WVU. The diversity of the studio program and the practical experience it gives students is very exciting to be a part of," Daken said.
Joshua Williamson, director of the WVU School of Theatre and Dance, said he is thrilled to have Berich and Daken in the program.
"We are delighted to welcome two exceptional theatre artists to the School of Theatre and Dance this year. They bring professionalism and experience that our students will benefit from as they study costume construction or voice for the actor."
For more information about theatre and dance programs, visit theatre.wvu.edu.