Risa is absolutely fantastic. She's so nice and understanding, and the workload was not difficult. Just reading a couple plays and few assignments, DISCUSSION is important. I would honestly take any class she'd teach, she's a really good teacher.

I really enjoyed learning from Professor Appel this summer -- he's the kindest, sweetest person ever! He's such a joy and I'm so lucky to have been in his class. While there wasn't the traditional style of teaching and presentation here, I found it highly enjoyable. As an freshman, this class was the absolute best way to be introduced to UCSB! :))

I have no complaints. The required books were very cheap, the lectures had a break, things felt fair, and the creative assignment was cool. It was nice to hear people speak during classes, since a lot of online courses do not have that. There was a scholarship given to FSSP students during this as well; really worth taking. He's a good dude.

Risa is amazing. This was the coolest freshman seminar you could possibly take! Be part of a lauchpad brand-new play, but not actually put in all the work.

Risa is a thoughtful directing teacher & has a lot of helpful techniques, if time-consuming ones. Directing scenes is a great experience. Short reaction pieces on directors are worthwhile but there are far too many of them; they feel like busywork. Her own directing is engaging, but the new plays in the Launch Pad series are almost always dreaful!

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival trip. Eight plays in four days, backstage tours, great discussion in a small group, and interviews with actors/directors. Worth the money for an awesome summer trip. Easily the most fun class available in the whole department!